4 answers
jasmine
Student
Fairbury, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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How can I successfully prepare to go into law enforcement?
I intend to go to college but want to major and minor in the right things that will hold me successful for my future. Do I need a backup plan just incase law enforcement doesn't work out? Thanks. #college-major #college #lawenforcement #police
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4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1686
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jasmine, you didn't say what you intend to major/minor in. I encourage you to get your minor in something different from your major. That is, don't major in sociology and minor in psychology! Look into a minor in something like Public Administration. Now, as to majors, Criminal Justice is usually the way folks go. Or something similar.
The concept you want to learn now, and never forget, is what we call "transferrable job skills." Lots of people leave law enforcement for something else. When I retired, I went straight to work helping people find jobs. How are the two related? If you can answer that, you understand transferrable job skills! Let me help. . . In law enforcement, I had to interview people and get them to give me answers, sometimes about very personal subjects. I had to insure that I kept confidential information confidential. And I had to write detailed and concise reports. You will learn to read job descriptions and figure out how your experience matches what is being asked for!
What other jobs can you do with a law enforcement background? There is a whole criminal justice field. Probation officers, Pre-sentencing investigators (tell the court if the person has ties to the community, is a flight risk, etc) , insurance fraud investigators, etc. And of course, social services in general, which, sadly, often doesn't pay very well.
Do you need a back-up plan? Not necessarily. Not if you understand that the chosen career/degree already has a back-up plan built in! You do need to understand that "life happens." So, in that regard, I want to tell you when you become a cop, sign up right away for short term and long term disability insurance (or any other job for that matter.) You need to protect your income if you can't work. (I got in a bad off-duty car accident, for example.)
How to be successful in law enforcement:
1. understand what it is. And is NOT. We as women have this calling to "help people." A lot will depend on the type of agency you work for. I was at an airport, where, nothing ever happened. So, we spent time visiting with tenants, they would end up telling us their personal problems, and we'd give our personal advice. But, that's unusual. Most law enforcement is going to calls, giving referrals to social services, going to another call, and writing reports. If possible, join the citizens police academy; go for ride-outs with the officers. https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/citizens-police-academy-to-begin-sept-25/
1a. Realize that everything you say and do is likely being recorded. And, any major situations will be critically reviewed, and you might feel like your management isn't backing you up. It's all part of the process. Look into paying for legal representation. It gives you peace of mind to know you have it if you need it. There are usually plans promoted by the police union. Find out who the other officers are using.
2. learn to think and write sequentially. A report follows a general format: This is what I was dispatched for, this is what I found upon investigation, this is what I did.
3. be prepared physically. You will need to have strength, flexibility, and endurance. Entrance physicals for various departments are sometimes posted on-line.
4. Be prepared emotionally. You have to set your personal life aside while at work. You can't allow yourself to be distracted, or someone might get hurt. Law enforcement is a team. You have to always be there for each other! Also, if you are rejected by one agency, keep going. Don't give up.
5. Make sure you live a righteous life and associate with good people. Background checks are rigorous. Be good to neighbors, teachers, employers, ex-boyfriends. Pay your bills on time, don't take on too much debt. Don't get tattoos. (this standard is changing, but, just play it safe till you get in and find out the policy).
As to the minor in Public Administration, it would serve you well as you move up the ranks into management. Or, if there is something else that interests you, perhaps Business Management or something. But a major and minor that are too closely related don't give you any additional marketing advantage!
Hope this helps! If you have any questions, I'm always glad to answer them!
The concept you want to learn now, and never forget, is what we call "transferrable job skills." Lots of people leave law enforcement for something else. When I retired, I went straight to work helping people find jobs. How are the two related? If you can answer that, you understand transferrable job skills! Let me help. . . In law enforcement, I had to interview people and get them to give me answers, sometimes about very personal subjects. I had to insure that I kept confidential information confidential. And I had to write detailed and concise reports. You will learn to read job descriptions and figure out how your experience matches what is being asked for!
What other jobs can you do with a law enforcement background? There is a whole criminal justice field. Probation officers, Pre-sentencing investigators (tell the court if the person has ties to the community, is a flight risk, etc) , insurance fraud investigators, etc. And of course, social services in general, which, sadly, often doesn't pay very well.
Do you need a back-up plan? Not necessarily. Not if you understand that the chosen career/degree already has a back-up plan built in! You do need to understand that "life happens." So, in that regard, I want to tell you when you become a cop, sign up right away for short term and long term disability insurance (or any other job for that matter.) You need to protect your income if you can't work. (I got in a bad off-duty car accident, for example.)
How to be successful in law enforcement:
1. understand what it is. And is NOT. We as women have this calling to "help people." A lot will depend on the type of agency you work for. I was at an airport, where, nothing ever happened. So, we spent time visiting with tenants, they would end up telling us their personal problems, and we'd give our personal advice. But, that's unusual. Most law enforcement is going to calls, giving referrals to social services, going to another call, and writing reports. If possible, join the citizens police academy; go for ride-outs with the officers. https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/citizens-police-academy-to-begin-sept-25/
1a. Realize that everything you say and do is likely being recorded. And, any major situations will be critically reviewed, and you might feel like your management isn't backing you up. It's all part of the process. Look into paying for legal representation. It gives you peace of mind to know you have it if you need it. There are usually plans promoted by the police union. Find out who the other officers are using.
2. learn to think and write sequentially. A report follows a general format: This is what I was dispatched for, this is what I found upon investigation, this is what I did.
3. be prepared physically. You will need to have strength, flexibility, and endurance. Entrance physicals for various departments are sometimes posted on-line.
4. Be prepared emotionally. You have to set your personal life aside while at work. You can't allow yourself to be distracted, or someone might get hurt. Law enforcement is a team. You have to always be there for each other! Also, if you are rejected by one agency, keep going. Don't give up.
5. Make sure you live a righteous life and associate with good people. Background checks are rigorous. Be good to neighbors, teachers, employers, ex-boyfriends. Pay your bills on time, don't take on too much debt. Don't get tattoos. (this standard is changing, but, just play it safe till you get in and find out the policy).
As to the minor in Public Administration, it would serve you well as you move up the ranks into management. Or, if there is something else that interests you, perhaps Business Management or something. But a major and minor that are too closely related don't give you any additional marketing advantage!
Hope this helps! If you have any questions, I'm always glad to answer them!
Thank you so much for this! I appreciate all the help.
jasmine
you're welcome! I really enjoyed my career as an officer, and the bonds made with my fellow officers! Wishing you much success as you transition to the working world! Kim
Kim Igleheart
Bryce Cromer
Student Teacher
89
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Bryce’s Answer
Hi Jasmine,
If you plan on going to college before entering law enforcement there are definitely some options for you to explore. Most if not all colleges will have a criminal justice major. This is a great major to get you well acquainted with the law and how the criminal justice system works. Also, if you wanted to take a more crime scene investigation path there is forensic science and forensic studies. Both these would supply you with a lot of skills that will be very beneficial on the job as a law enforcement officer. I hope this gave you a little insight into possible paths you can take in college to get you prepared for a career in law enforcement.
If you plan on going to college before entering law enforcement there are definitely some options for you to explore. Most if not all colleges will have a criminal justice major. This is a great major to get you well acquainted with the law and how the criminal justice system works. Also, if you wanted to take a more crime scene investigation path there is forensic science and forensic studies. Both these would supply you with a lot of skills that will be very beneficial on the job as a law enforcement officer. I hope this gave you a little insight into possible paths you can take in college to get you prepared for a career in law enforcement.
Brenn M. Simonen
Wellness Coach
15
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Brenn M.’s Answer
Jasmine, I agree with some of what Kim said, especially about your choices or Major and Minor. what I would like to add to what she has begun is that the requirements to be a police officer, that you hashtagged, are not the same as the requirements for a minor or major in law criminal justice. For example, some cities require very little to enter police training, even only being 18 years of age and having a high school diploma. Other cities may require an AA degree (2-year) in Criminal Justice from a community college before applying for police training. I know several officers that got their 2 year AA degree in CJ, got hired as a police officer, then continued their next two years of college while working as an Officer and part of their tuition for continued education was paid by the department.
Here is the information for your local department, based on the City you listed, and I recommended contacting them first before making any decision. According to the website
Educational Requirements:
The education requirements of a police officer aren’t that much as mentioned before. In most instances, they only need a high school diploma. Though, occasionally, a minimum of two years tertiary level course completion is mandated. This indicates that a diploma or two-year degree is enough. In the event that you’re looking to enter another division like cyber-crime or forensics, you may need to have a more advanced education. To be assigned to the federal level, you must have a four-year college certificate. Prior to entering the police academy you must take a written quiz. This will primarily be based on ethics, the knowledge that you gained in high school and some general knowledge.
NOTE: There are physical, legal, and mental requirements that you should read to make sure you qualify.
Read more at this link:
https://www.policeofficer.education/career_options/salary-job-requirements-fairbury-ne/
Good luck with your endeavors, and reach out if you want to talk more.
Brenn
Here is the information for your local department, based on the City you listed, and I recommended contacting them first before making any decision. According to the website
Educational Requirements:
The education requirements of a police officer aren’t that much as mentioned before. In most instances, they only need a high school diploma. Though, occasionally, a minimum of two years tertiary level course completion is mandated. This indicates that a diploma or two-year degree is enough. In the event that you’re looking to enter another division like cyber-crime or forensics, you may need to have a more advanced education. To be assigned to the federal level, you must have a four-year college certificate. Prior to entering the police academy you must take a written quiz. This will primarily be based on ethics, the knowledge that you gained in high school and some general knowledge.
NOTE: There are physical, legal, and mental requirements that you should read to make sure you qualify.
Read more at this link:
https://www.policeofficer.education/career_options/salary-job-requirements-fairbury-ne/
Good luck with your endeavors, and reach out if you want to talk more.
Brenn
Thank you so much for you imput! It means a lot.
jasmine
Jasmine, you are most welcome. I'm here if you have more questions.
Brenn M. Simonen
Nick McGregor
Law Enforcement
35
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Jasmine, regardless of what profession you want to work in, always have a back-up plan. Finding an enjoyable degree field may help with this. For example, if you major in Criminal Justice, while minoring in Psychology, there are many careers that these would be applicable to. Additionally, the individual coursework of your degree plan may open doors into more specialized areas, such as Homeland Security, Forensic Science, even Accounting, or Social Work. These are all areas that law enforcement professionals work in.
The thing that will make you most successful in Law Enforcement is being teachable and trainable. It is a "social science," which means working with people "makes it or breaks it," so to speak. Being flexible with situations, but firm with your values, will yield a great mindset for your future career. Being able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, will take you places as well.
I highly encourage you to pursue an enjoyable degree plan. Find one that fits your personality, strengths, and work style. More importantly, one that interests you.
Narrow your degree plan search: https://www.collegeconsensus.com/degrees/law-enforcement/
Check into local internships with a law enforcement agency nearby
The thing that will make you most successful in Law Enforcement is being teachable and trainable. It is a "social science," which means working with people "makes it or breaks it," so to speak. Being flexible with situations, but firm with your values, will yield a great mindset for your future career. Being able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, will take you places as well.
I highly encourage you to pursue an enjoyable degree plan. Find one that fits your personality, strengths, and work style. More importantly, one that interests you.
Nick recommends the following next steps: