MI general?'s

[Michigan77]

Hi everyone, I'm a 2nd year college student but my university doesn't offer a CJ program. Is it nessicary to have a CJ degree or just any degree in order to look better to future employers and if so which would be 2nd 3rd best etc... I feel I'd like to be an officer in a smaller city but not a sheriff. I really am not enjoying college and am looking forward to being a police officer. I'm 19 and would like to go to acadmey as soon as possible. Any advice on how to get to my goal as a city officer asap much appreciated... also is it still possible to go out with officers for a nighta nd se what they do, i've heard of it before. Thanks alot for any input.

-Michiman

[JimCMR]

Mich;

The best advice I can give you is to stay in school, and get that Bachelors Degree, that will put you near the top of the heap.

Since you are only 19, you have 2 years before you can be hired by MOST departments, and the reality is that 25 year olds are in a better position than 21 year old candidates.

You don't need a CJ degree, get something different, such as chemistry or accounting or computers, that you could use elsewhere.

Many departments offer a ride along program for interested persons, call a department you are interested in working for and ask, this can be an eye opener for you.

Good luck. JimCMR

[Charlie]

Michigan77--I can only further support JimCMR's accurate thoughts and assessment of your situation. He is on the money!

It would be strongly adviseable that you finish getting a degree from whatever college you are attending. Believe me, even IF and WHEN you were to get on board with a PD somewhere and working full time, it is often difficult to go back to school and finish getting that degree.

As for WHAT should you study? CJ degrees are good but pretty much apply to a narrow field only in terms of profession. I think it would likely be better to get a degree in something else as JimCMR suggestted. Quite simply, other degrees often have more flexibility than just a CJ degree. Most PD's I think typically look for someone with a college degree. I don't think it really matters much in most cases whether or not the degree is a CJ degree or in something else.

Take JimCMR's advice and mine: Stay in school and finish that degree. Landing a LE job is often a competitive process and if you want the job as bad as you state, I would think you want to have every edge possible available to you.

Charlie

[Porl]

I also agree with Charlie and JimCMR. Stay in school. Get a degree. If you are at all interested in Computer and LE then i would suggest getting a CS degree. So many more crimes involve computers. They might give you the edge just because you have the technical exp.

My other thoughts are most depts have a cadet program. Look around this is a good way to get early exp and see what the job of LEO is all about. Most are seasonal position but some can last year around. Also, since you are at college, try for campus police/security.

Be patient the time will come. ;D

Porl

[wisconsin]

I have heard another acceptable degree outside of Criminal Justice is Sociology.

Good luck to you.