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to become a First-line supervisor of police & detectives is it true that you don't need a higher education than your high school diploma ?
I am very interested but don't wanna waste time on something I can pursue.
6 answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Anthony,
Times have changed. Lots of veteran officers will tell you that you don't need to go to college. Truth is, more and more law enforcement agencies are requiring a 2 year degree just to become an officer. However, given the hiring shortage, perhaps they will back off of that requirement.
The thing to do is look at the basic requirements of the agencies you are interested in. I would encourage you, if you manage to get hired without any college, to take advantage of any tuition assistance offered by your agency and go to school.
Education is never "wasted." It helps you to look at things from different perspectives. For example, as beginning officers, we just want to go out there and get the job done. However, since the advent of cameras everywhere, officers must consider how it's going to look when it goes viral, and seriously entertain options to de-escalate rather than just getting the job done. If you want to be a supervisor, so many things you never thought about suddenly become important. Anything you can do to help you to "see the bigger picture" is not a waste of time or money. However, if you can delay the education until such time as you have access to tuition assistance benefits, I'd be all for that!
Also, just because you meet "minimum requirements" for the supervisor position does not mean you will be selected. Competition for promotion is fierce. I would suggest you possibly consider military service prior to becoming a peace officer. It will give you some training and experience that will pay off in the long run.
Best,
Kim
Times have changed. Lots of veteran officers will tell you that you don't need to go to college. Truth is, more and more law enforcement agencies are requiring a 2 year degree just to become an officer. However, given the hiring shortage, perhaps they will back off of that requirement.
The thing to do is look at the basic requirements of the agencies you are interested in. I would encourage you, if you manage to get hired without any college, to take advantage of any tuition assistance offered by your agency and go to school.
Education is never "wasted." It helps you to look at things from different perspectives. For example, as beginning officers, we just want to go out there and get the job done. However, since the advent of cameras everywhere, officers must consider how it's going to look when it goes viral, and seriously entertain options to de-escalate rather than just getting the job done. If you want to be a supervisor, so many things you never thought about suddenly become important. Anything you can do to help you to "see the bigger picture" is not a waste of time or money. However, if you can delay the education until such time as you have access to tuition assistance benefits, I'd be all for that!
Also, just because you meet "minimum requirements" for the supervisor position does not mean you will be selected. Competition for promotion is fierce. I would suggest you possibly consider military service prior to becoming a peace officer. It will give you some training and experience that will pay off in the long run.
Best,
Kim
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Anthony
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
The short answer is... it depends.
My agency does not require any college education. Many do not, yet probably more require at least 60 credit hours. So just to get hired you may need some college education.
That being said, I would would highly suggest at least SOME college. As a supervisor of our detective bureau and road patrol, I relied on my abilities to reason, formulate plans, write, and maintain an open mind. All of these attributes I developed in college. Your writing ability is critical in law enforcement, especially in investigations. It not only documents your actions and detailed information of the crime/crime scene, but it also paints an accurate story for anyone reading your reports. Its all about attention to details. And again, a skill honed in college.
Should you take my advise, and continue on with your education, I would suggest NOT majoring in Criminal Justice. Instead, focus on courses such as iiterature, writing, computer/internet technologies, and psychology as some examples.
Best of luck!
My agency does not require any college education. Many do not, yet probably more require at least 60 credit hours. So just to get hired you may need some college education.
That being said, I would would highly suggest at least SOME college. As a supervisor of our detective bureau and road patrol, I relied on my abilities to reason, formulate plans, write, and maintain an open mind. All of these attributes I developed in college. Your writing ability is critical in law enforcement, especially in investigations. It not only documents your actions and detailed information of the crime/crime scene, but it also paints an accurate story for anyone reading your reports. Its all about attention to details. And again, a skill honed in college.
Should you take my advise, and continue on with your education, I would suggest NOT majoring in Criminal Justice. Instead, focus on courses such as iiterature, writing, computer/internet technologies, and psychology as some examples.
Best of luck!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Anthony
I am curious. Why would you suggest not majoring in Criminal Justice?
William Bishop
William, although a Criminal Justice degree may give you a better understanding of law enforcement, it doesnt teach you how to be a police officer.
I was a part of the total hiring process with my department. When looking at candidates, it was the well-rounded candidate that I preferred. A degree in other majors tended to represent such diversity. A minor in Criminal Justice is an option.
You start to learn how to be a "cop" in the academy, but truly get all of your knowledge during field training.
Kevin Czora
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Each agency has unique requirements. I have seen some agencies that require a 4-year degree for entry-level positions, while other agencies don't require mid-level supervisors to hold a college degree. However, keep in mind that with every position you apply for, you will be competing with other people. A college degree will be considered in every position, and if you have a degree, you will have an advantage in that category over someone that doesn't have one. With that said, some of the most successful people I have ever worked with didn't have a degree.... but their road was more difficult that it would have been had they possessed a degree.
Best of luck and I hope you find success in whatever you do.
Best of luck and I hope you find success in whatever you do.
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Absolutely, you can do it! Numerous departments offer state-approved supervisor courses that you can enroll in. Keep in mind, though, that factors like time spent on the job, your performance, and competition also play a role.
Consider the possibility of attending college part-time while simultaneously gaining practical experience in law enforcement. The combination of hands-on experience and academic knowledge can propel you towards your goals at a faster pace.
BTW: I was in Law Enforcement before switching to technology by going to tech school at night.
Consider the possibility of attending college part-time while simultaneously gaining practical experience in law enforcement. The combination of hands-on experience and academic knowledge can propel you towards your goals at a faster pace.
BTW: I was in Law Enforcement before switching to technology by going to tech school at night.
Thank you, Tony for the advice.
Anthony
Updated
a’s Answer
You have to look at the department you want to work for and see the criteria they have departments all have different criteria some don’t need it to get hired and some need you to have an associates diploma to get hired but might not need to get promoted but some might give first preference to someone with a college diploma or BA before one that doesn’t have a BA yo get promoted but others you might not need it at all because they don’t account for having a BA but if they were going yo give first preference in promoting someone who has a BA before someone who does not have a BA they should and have to list it in writing so you know good luck
Thanks for your encouragement!
Anthony
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Anthony,
While it's true that some first-line supervisor positions in law enforcement may not have strict educational requirements, having a higher education can still be beneficial for career advancement and professional development. A degree in criminal justice or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills that can enhance your performance as a supervisor. Furthermore, many agencies and departments may prefer candidates with some level of higher education or relevant training. Ultimately, it's important to consider your long-term career goals and the specific requirements of the agencies you are interested in when deciding whether to pursue further education.
Best wishes.
While it's true that some first-line supervisor positions in law enforcement may not have strict educational requirements, having a higher education can still be beneficial for career advancement and professional development. A degree in criminal justice or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills that can enhance your performance as a supervisor. Furthermore, many agencies and departments may prefer candidates with some level of higher education or relevant training. Ultimately, it's important to consider your long-term career goals and the specific requirements of the agencies you are interested in when deciding whether to pursue further education.
Best wishes.
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