I am thinking about joining the police dept. after I graduate college, but i've heard in order to go anywhere in law enforcement it is best to have been in the military is this true? I have been thinking about joining the guard anyway would that be enough or would I need active duty?
2007-12-13 05:05:33 · 5 answers · asked by jbd89 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Plenty of law enforcement agencies look positively towards former military out of respect, but mainly because the law enforcement community is of a para-military type structure. If you choose one of the two, a college degree would be the best. One in a related field would be preferred (Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Forensic Science, etc), but it doesn't really matter. Having a degree in English or Geology wouldn't be much different. Employers (Police or not) mainly look at degrees as showing the ability to commit to something and the ability to learn.
2007-12-13 05:19:41 · answer #1 · answered by Paul 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to be prior military to get ahead in law enforcement. I was an MP in the guard (until last Monday when I retired after 21 years). It may help in some departments, and it may actually harm you in others, For instance, my current chief said to another supervisor that he would not hire any army guardsman because he didn't want them to be gone (I wish that I could hear that- I would report it). My old chief was a CSM in the reserves and he looked to hire vets. But over all I think that the military experience enhances a police candidate from their training and experiences.
2007-12-13 13:23:02 · answer #2 · answered by jtw532 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but most Civil Service positions give extra points for military service when you test. I think a degree will get you more than military service. Personal opinion is that everyone should do time in the military as it builds character and teaches you to be part of a group.
2007-12-13 13:24:56 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no direct relationship between the military and law enforcement success. Military experience is certainly considered desirable by most all departments, but it is not necessary or required.
2007-12-13 13:11:26 · answer #4 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, because when you go to the police academy, you start out like anyone else. There are no brownie points for having been in the service. You have to prove your worth, like everyone else.
2007-12-13 15:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋