2 answers
Wilmer
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What do you guys think is best for me trying to study criminal justice later on go onto law enforcement and or should I get straight to the point and go to the academy ?
I’m a middle schooler and my grades are kinda good and I’ve been wanting to do law enforcement since I heard my brother might be in law enforcement it sounded good and I wanna do it as well they get paid good enough to maintain yourself and others and it sounds like a fun job that I would personally like
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2 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Wilmer!
Guidelines for Exploring Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Careers
1. Identifying Your Interests and Objectives It's commendable that you, as a middle school student, are already contemplating your future in law enforcement. Careers in this field can be gratifying and meaningful, but they necessitate thoughtful preparation and education. Consider which facets of law enforcement intrigue you most, such as community service, crime-solving, or perhaps a specialized sector like the FBI.
2. Educational Routes Two primary routes exist for entering law enforcement: earning a degree in criminal justice or similar disciplines, or enrolling directly in a police academy.
Degree Pursuit: Numerous law enforcement bodies favor applicants with a minimum of an associate's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related discipline. A bachelor's degree could offer superior opportunities for growth and specialized positions. College classes will encompass subjects like criminal law, ethics, psychology, and investigative methods.
Police Academy Enrollment: If you opt to transition from high school to police academy, you'll experience intense training encompassing physical fitness, firearms instruction, emergency response strategies, and legal studies. However, most academies mandate some college coursework or an associate's degree for entry.
3. Preparing in High School As a middle schooler, concentrate on achieving good grades and honing skills that will aid your future career:
Academic Achievement: Persist in your academic efforts; high grades can unlock opportunities for scholarships and college acceptances.
Extracurricular Involvement: Think about participating in leadership (like student council), community service (like volunteering), or sports clubs (which can assist with physical fitness).
Career Exploration: Seek programs that offer students the chance to delve into law enforcement careers via internships or job shadowing.
4. Making Your Choice Ultimately, deciding to earn a degree first or jump straight into the police academy hinges on your personal objectives:
If you desire a comprehensive education that could yield more job prospects down the line (including administrative roles), college might be the best starting point.
If you're keen to begin working immediately and feel prepared to enter the field right after high school, the police academy could be your best bet.
5. Wrapping Up In conclusion, both paths have their advantages, depending on your long-term career goals in law enforcement. It's recommended to gather more details about your local police departments' prerequisites as they can differ greatly by area.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The BLS offers extensive data on job prospects for various professions, including police officers and detectives, covering educational prerequisites and salary projections.
2. National Police Foundation This body provides resources on policing best practices and insights into law enforcement career trajectories.
3. American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) The ACJA offers advice on criminal justice-related educational programs and aids students in this field via scholarships and networking opportunities.
Likelihood of answer accuracy: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Guidelines for Exploring Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Careers
1. Identifying Your Interests and Objectives It's commendable that you, as a middle school student, are already contemplating your future in law enforcement. Careers in this field can be gratifying and meaningful, but they necessitate thoughtful preparation and education. Consider which facets of law enforcement intrigue you most, such as community service, crime-solving, or perhaps a specialized sector like the FBI.
2. Educational Routes Two primary routes exist for entering law enforcement: earning a degree in criminal justice or similar disciplines, or enrolling directly in a police academy.
Degree Pursuit: Numerous law enforcement bodies favor applicants with a minimum of an associate's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related discipline. A bachelor's degree could offer superior opportunities for growth and specialized positions. College classes will encompass subjects like criminal law, ethics, psychology, and investigative methods.
Police Academy Enrollment: If you opt to transition from high school to police academy, you'll experience intense training encompassing physical fitness, firearms instruction, emergency response strategies, and legal studies. However, most academies mandate some college coursework or an associate's degree for entry.
3. Preparing in High School As a middle schooler, concentrate on achieving good grades and honing skills that will aid your future career:
Academic Achievement: Persist in your academic efforts; high grades can unlock opportunities for scholarships and college acceptances.
Extracurricular Involvement: Think about participating in leadership (like student council), community service (like volunteering), or sports clubs (which can assist with physical fitness).
Career Exploration: Seek programs that offer students the chance to delve into law enforcement careers via internships or job shadowing.
4. Making Your Choice Ultimately, deciding to earn a degree first or jump straight into the police academy hinges on your personal objectives:
If you desire a comprehensive education that could yield more job prospects down the line (including administrative roles), college might be the best starting point.
If you're keen to begin working immediately and feel prepared to enter the field right after high school, the police academy could be your best bet.
5. Wrapping Up In conclusion, both paths have their advantages, depending on your long-term career goals in law enforcement. It's recommended to gather more details about your local police departments' prerequisites as they can differ greatly by area.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The BLS offers extensive data on job prospects for various professions, including police officers and detectives, covering educational prerequisites and salary projections.
2. National Police Foundation This body provides resources on policing best practices and insights into law enforcement career trajectories.
3. American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) The ACJA offers advice on criminal justice-related educational programs and aids students in this field via scholarships and networking opportunities.
Likelihood of answer accuracy: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
35
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
First thing I recommend is check with your local Law Enforcment agencies to see if they have a Police/Sheriff Explorer program. This will provide an opportunity to experience law enforcement firsthand. I also would recommend taking Criminal Justice classes after high school.