Hannah
what should im study in high school if I want to work in the CIA or become a police?
I want to know what are good classes to take in school when I can. #police-officer #security #police-field-training
5 answers
Diali E. Coll-Mercado
Diali E.’s Answer
Next, you will need to decide what type of law enforcement work you really want to focus on, as the CIA and "police" are two different things. There is Federal law enforcement, such as CIA, FBI, DEA, ATF (and many more) as well as state law enforcement, such as [Insert State] Highway Patrol, [Insert State] Bureau of Investigation, or [Insert State] Department of Law Enforcement, (and many more, as well as city and county (local) law enforcement, so you can work at a city police department or a county sheriff's office. And although they work very similarly, there are some differences that have some people choose one over the other. For example, in the area where I live, the county sheriff's office, the deputies do not work or complete crash reports. They will clear roads and assist at emergency scenes, but Florida Highway Patrol will do the crash reports. The cities in the area, on the other hand, will complete crash reports. City agencies, at times, not always, get paid more than county agencies. States sometimes have great benefits, but I wouldn't say they have the best pay- at least not down south. Federal agencies are usually a good place for benefits and pay, and you will normally need a college degree to get into one of the three-letter agencies. If you do decide to go federal, do your homework. Actually, do your homework with all of them! Talk to people, ask about ride-alongs, shadow other positions in the case you may not like actually being an officer but want to do forensics or admin work instead.
Whatever you decide.... Good Luck!
Jeffrey Graham
Jeffrey’s Answer
Hannah, you have some great goals. First, the CIA and police are actually two very different directions. Have you considered the FBI?... The reason I mention it is because it combines law enforcement with central intelligence and where you are located might be an opportunity. Other than making sure you have a grasp on your general high school studies, perhaps look into the FBI. They have a high school program that may offer you some direction. Check out the .gov resource: https://www.fbijobs.gov/students/high-school-students
Jim Mcconnell
Jim’s Answer
Two additional course considerations would be foreign language and psychology, as any law enforcement and/or intelligence career is exposed to these two areas and having them gives you an advantage over other candidates. Also look into your local FBI Citizen's Academy's Teen Academy and your local police department's Explorer's Group.
Jim recommends the following next steps:
Allison Derco
Allison’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
Great question. Honestly, in high school if they offer any criminal justice or law classes they might help you along. I agree with both Jeffrey and Jill. I know in NYC to become a police officer they require an associates degree (no specific major) and passing the police exam. Each State has different requirements and depending on whether or not you go federal, like the CIA, or State and local like a police officer there will be differences. Start by looking up job requirements for each and move on from there.
Jill Donohue
Jill’s Answer
Most towns have a junior police program. Start by calling your local station.