4 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Brazil, Indiana
3
Questions
Asked
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I'm in 8th grade and I would like to be a police officer, what should I focus on more and in high school what classes should I take?
and should I take criminal justice or criminology if I want to investigate scenes?
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1502
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Nevaeh, if you know you want to be a police officer, consider taking electives that will prepare you for a career in criminal justice. For example, you could study psychology, sociology, criminology, and law in high school. Writing skills are also important, as officers spend a great deal of time composing reports.
TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER IN BRAZIL
Meet the basic requirements: Ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria to become a police officer in Brazil. These requirements may include being a Brazilian citizen, being of a certain age (usually between 18 and 30 years old), having completed compulsory military service (for males), having a high school diploma or equivalent, and possessing a valid driver’s license.
TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER IN US
The steps to becoming a police officer often vary from city to city. At the very least, you must have a high school diploma. However, some police departments and federal agencies may require the you have a college degree or some college courses. If you do decide to pursue a degree, it’s recommend it be in criminal justice or law enforcement. In almost all cases, the aspiring police officer must graduate from the agency or department’s police training academy. In addition to having the educational training, most cities require their police officers meet the following basic requirements.
• Be at least 18 to 21 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be of good moral character
• Have a clean criminal record
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Meet personal and physical qualifications
• Pass the Law Enforcement Entrance Exam
• Complete on-the-job training
Enroll in a citizen’s academy: If the police department in your city or town offers any sort of civilian training, take them up on it. If no such academy exists, ask your local department if there is another agency nearby that would allow you to attend their citizens’ academy.
Participate in scouting: The Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA are wonderful training grounds for the would-be cop. Both impart on their members a great sense of duty to others, and both have merit-based systems which prepare kids for the way in which police agencies operate.
TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER IN BRAZIL
Meet the basic requirements: Ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria to become a police officer in Brazil. These requirements may include being a Brazilian citizen, being of a certain age (usually between 18 and 30 years old), having completed compulsory military service (for males), having a high school diploma or equivalent, and possessing a valid driver’s license.
TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER IN US
The steps to becoming a police officer often vary from city to city. At the very least, you must have a high school diploma. However, some police departments and federal agencies may require the you have a college degree or some college courses. If you do decide to pursue a degree, it’s recommend it be in criminal justice or law enforcement. In almost all cases, the aspiring police officer must graduate from the agency or department’s police training academy. In addition to having the educational training, most cities require their police officers meet the following basic requirements.
• Be at least 18 to 21 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be of good moral character
• Have a clean criminal record
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Meet personal and physical qualifications
• Pass the Law Enforcement Entrance Exam
• Complete on-the-job training
Doc recommends the following next steps:
thank you, I live in a town called Brazil in Indiana lol.
Nevaeh
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5777
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh,
Blueprint to Your Future as a Police Officer
To fulfill your dream of becoming a police officer, particularly with a focus on crime scene investigation, there are several key aspects you should concentrate on during your education. Here's a simplified, actionable guide to help you gear up for this exciting career:
1. Middle School and High School Focus Areas
Academic Excellence: Strive for high grades in all subjects. Stellar academic performance is not only vital for college entry but also advantageous when applying to police departments.
Communication Mastery: Hone your verbal and written communication skills. Effective communication is a must in law enforcement, for tasks ranging from report writing to public interaction.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Participate in activities that sharpen your critical thinking skills. This could involve joining debate clubs, science fairs, or problem-solving contests.
Physical Fitness: Begin working on your physical fitness. As many police departments have fitness prerequisites, being active early on will pay off later.
2. Suggested High School Classes
As you step into high school, consider enrolling in the following classes:
Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement Courses: These classes, if available, offer basic understanding of the legal system and law enforcement procedures.
Science Courses (Biology and Chemistry): These are crucial for forensic investigation, providing vital knowledge on evidence gathering and analysis.
Psychology: Grasping human behavior is advantageous in law enforcement, especially when interacting with suspects or victims.
Mathematics: Subjects like algebra and statistics are important as they foster analytical skills useful in investigations.
English Composition: Proficient writing skills are required for report writing and documentation in law enforcement.
3. Criminal Justice vs. Criminology
For higher education post high school, both criminal justice and criminology are beneficial study fields depending on your career aspirations:
Criminal Justice: This field delves into the practical aspects of law enforcement, including policing tactics, legal procedures, and the workings of the criminal justice system. If you aim to be a police officer or investigator, this may be the better choice.
Criminology: This field examines crime from a sociological viewpoint—exploring why crimes happen and their societal impact. It's more theoretical than criminal justice but offers valuable insights into criminal behavior useful in investigations.
Given your specific interest in crime scene investigation, a degree in Criminal Justice would likely align better with your career goals, as it equips you for practical roles within law enforcement agencies.
4. Additional Suggestions
Extracurricular Activities: Participate in clubs related to law enforcement like student government or debate club to cultivate leadership skills.
Volunteer Work: Think about volunteering with local community groups or programs that collaborate with law enforcement agencies; this experience can give you a glimpse into the profession.
Internships/Job Shadowing: Seek opportunities to shadow police officers or intern at local police departments during summer holidays; hands-on experience is priceless.
By concentrating on these areas throughout middle school and high school, you'll be well-equipped to chase your dream of becoming a police officer specialized in investigations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Institute of Justice
American Society of Criminology
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Blueprint to Your Future as a Police Officer
To fulfill your dream of becoming a police officer, particularly with a focus on crime scene investigation, there are several key aspects you should concentrate on during your education. Here's a simplified, actionable guide to help you gear up for this exciting career:
1. Middle School and High School Focus Areas
Academic Excellence: Strive for high grades in all subjects. Stellar academic performance is not only vital for college entry but also advantageous when applying to police departments.
Communication Mastery: Hone your verbal and written communication skills. Effective communication is a must in law enforcement, for tasks ranging from report writing to public interaction.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Participate in activities that sharpen your critical thinking skills. This could involve joining debate clubs, science fairs, or problem-solving contests.
Physical Fitness: Begin working on your physical fitness. As many police departments have fitness prerequisites, being active early on will pay off later.
2. Suggested High School Classes
As you step into high school, consider enrolling in the following classes:
Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement Courses: These classes, if available, offer basic understanding of the legal system and law enforcement procedures.
Science Courses (Biology and Chemistry): These are crucial for forensic investigation, providing vital knowledge on evidence gathering and analysis.
Psychology: Grasping human behavior is advantageous in law enforcement, especially when interacting with suspects or victims.
Mathematics: Subjects like algebra and statistics are important as they foster analytical skills useful in investigations.
English Composition: Proficient writing skills are required for report writing and documentation in law enforcement.
3. Criminal Justice vs. Criminology
For higher education post high school, both criminal justice and criminology are beneficial study fields depending on your career aspirations:
Criminal Justice: This field delves into the practical aspects of law enforcement, including policing tactics, legal procedures, and the workings of the criminal justice system. If you aim to be a police officer or investigator, this may be the better choice.
Criminology: This field examines crime from a sociological viewpoint—exploring why crimes happen and their societal impact. It's more theoretical than criminal justice but offers valuable insights into criminal behavior useful in investigations.
Given your specific interest in crime scene investigation, a degree in Criminal Justice would likely align better with your career goals, as it equips you for practical roles within law enforcement agencies.
4. Additional Suggestions
Extracurricular Activities: Participate in clubs related to law enforcement like student government or debate club to cultivate leadership skills.
Volunteer Work: Think about volunteering with local community groups or programs that collaborate with law enforcement agencies; this experience can give you a glimpse into the profession.
Internships/Job Shadowing: Seek opportunities to shadow police officers or intern at local police departments during summer holidays; hands-on experience is priceless.
By concentrating on these areas throughout middle school and high school, you'll be well-equipped to chase your dream of becoming a police officer specialized in investigations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Institute of Justice
American Society of Criminology
Stay Blessed!
JC.
thank you!
Nevaeh
Troy O
Police Supervisor
9
Answers
Pinole, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Hello Nevaeh,
There is a lot of good information in the other responses. I will echo that it is never too early to begin preparing for your future. With that being said, in 8th grade, I encourage you to keep things as broad as possible. You never know where the future will take you.
I would add the following:
Play team sports, it will keep you in physical shape and teach you how to work with others. These skills are tremendously helpful!
Focus as much as you can on reading and writing English. This might sound strange, but there is a lot of reading and writing in the profession.
Volunteer in community organizations. This will give you an idea of how various parts of the community work and rely upon each other.
Become an Explorer, Cadet, Volunteer, or participate in a Citizen's Academy with your local police department. Many agencies will offer programs for young people to get an inside look at police work. Call around to the agencies around you and ask if they have any of these programs and become involved.
Good luck!
There is a lot of good information in the other responses. I will echo that it is never too early to begin preparing for your future. With that being said, in 8th grade, I encourage you to keep things as broad as possible. You never know where the future will take you.
I would add the following:
Play team sports, it will keep you in physical shape and teach you how to work with others. These skills are tremendously helpful!
Focus as much as you can on reading and writing English. This might sound strange, but there is a lot of reading and writing in the profession.
Volunteer in community organizations. This will give you an idea of how various parts of the community work and rely upon each other.
Become an Explorer, Cadet, Volunteer, or participate in a Citizen's Academy with your local police department. Many agencies will offer programs for young people to get an inside look at police work. Call around to the agencies around you and ask if they have any of these programs and become involved.
Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
391
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Nevaeh,
That's great that you're already thinking about your future career! Becoming a police officer is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of community.
Focus Areas in 8th Grade
While you're in 8th grade, it's a good time to start building a strong foundation. Here are some areas to focus on:
Academics: Maintain good grades in all subjects, especially math, science, and English. These core subjects will be important for your future education.
Physical Fitness: Start developing good exercise habits. Physical fitness is essential for police officers.
Character Building: Develop strong moral values, honesty, and respect for others. These qualities are crucial for a successful career in law enforcement.
Community Involvement: Volunteer in your community or participate in school activities. This will help you understand the needs of your community and develop leadership skills.
High School Classes
High school is a great time to explore subjects that will be relevant to your career goals. Consider taking the following classes:
Core Subjects: Continue to excel in math, science, and English.
Social Sciences: Classes like psychology, sociology, and government can provide valuable insights into human behavior and the legal system.
Physical Education: Stay physically fit by taking physical education classes and participating in sports.
Electives: If available, consider taking classes in criminal justice, law enforcement, or forensics.
Criminal Justice vs. Criminology
Both criminal justice and criminology can be beneficial for a career in law enforcement, but they focus on different aspects:
Criminal Justice: This field covers a broader range of topics, including the legal system, corrections, and police procedures. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the criminal justice system as a whole.
Criminology: This field focuses specifically on the study of crime, criminals, and criminal behavior. It is particularly relevant for those interested in crime scene investigation and understanding the motivations behind criminal actions.
If your primary interest is in investigating crime scenes, criminology might be a better fit. However, both fields can be valuable, and you may find that a combination of both provides a well-rounded education.
Remember: While these classes can provide a strong foundation, the most important qualities for a successful police officer are integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving the community.
Best wishes!
That's great that you're already thinking about your future career! Becoming a police officer is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of community.
Focus Areas in 8th Grade
While you're in 8th grade, it's a good time to start building a strong foundation. Here are some areas to focus on:
Academics: Maintain good grades in all subjects, especially math, science, and English. These core subjects will be important for your future education.
Physical Fitness: Start developing good exercise habits. Physical fitness is essential for police officers.
Character Building: Develop strong moral values, honesty, and respect for others. These qualities are crucial for a successful career in law enforcement.
Community Involvement: Volunteer in your community or participate in school activities. This will help you understand the needs of your community and develop leadership skills.
High School Classes
High school is a great time to explore subjects that will be relevant to your career goals. Consider taking the following classes:
Core Subjects: Continue to excel in math, science, and English.
Social Sciences: Classes like psychology, sociology, and government can provide valuable insights into human behavior and the legal system.
Physical Education: Stay physically fit by taking physical education classes and participating in sports.
Electives: If available, consider taking classes in criminal justice, law enforcement, or forensics.
Criminal Justice vs. Criminology
Both criminal justice and criminology can be beneficial for a career in law enforcement, but they focus on different aspects:
Criminal Justice: This field covers a broader range of topics, including the legal system, corrections, and police procedures. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the criminal justice system as a whole.
Criminology: This field focuses specifically on the study of crime, criminals, and criminal behavior. It is particularly relevant for those interested in crime scene investigation and understanding the motivations behind criminal actions.
If your primary interest is in investigating crime scenes, criminology might be a better fit. However, both fields can be valuable, and you may find that a combination of both provides a well-rounded education.
Remember: While these classes can provide a strong foundation, the most important qualities for a successful police officer are integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving the community.
Best wishes!