Law Enforcement Education ?

Q: This is just a general question. Has a student in college, I was wondering type of education and classes I should be taking in order to help towards a career in law enforcement.

A:A number of departments in my area now require a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit, any disipline. They show a preference towards criminal justice, law enforcement education, social science and political science majors. If you plan to make a carreer as a front line police officer, an associates degree from any community college would probably be beneficial, try to major in either criminal justice or law enforcement education. If you hope to move up in the ranks, a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is prefered, Master's is always better. I dont know what area you live in, but two colleges in my area immediately come to mind because of their reputation in the law enforcement community.... 1) Northwestern......best damn traffic school in the world 2) Lewis University...a criminal justice program that is unparalleled Get your B.

A: or B.S. depending on how the University or College classifies it...go for Criminal Justice/Criminology or some form of Law Enforcement Degree. Most states require that you be at least 19 to be an officer, but most departments will not hire unless you are 21 at least, and then some want you to be older...so why sit around and not do anything worth while....hit the schools or even hit the military...Trust me..military credit on the police tests is definitely beneficial...usually 5-15% more points depending on civil service policy...I still think a 4 year degree and then

military service is the best bet...but that's my opinion..also...the Border Patrol is hiring like mad right now...and all you need is to be 19 and have a years full time experience in ANY line of work....but the testing is not easy... IF possible get your degree in Public Management, that way if you ever want to change fields it easier. You can major in public management with law enforcement/criminal justice as you concentration, at least that's the way I'm doing it. I have 15 years on the job and two courses left to get my B.S.. My associates degree is in Criminal Justice, but in looking to the future I didn't want to be tied down to LE after retiring from the job.