Entering Law enforcement

[Bigbird19]

I have been contemplating switching my major to go into the law enforcement field and I was wondering what specific things will hold you back from getting accepted. I have never been convicted of a crime and have only recieved two speeding citations (one got cleared by traffic school) and a couple parking tickets (stupid street sweeping). Am I disqualified or will I face any trouble do to these facts?


Also, does a college degree make a difference in the field of Law Enforcement

[Roddd]

What's your major? Don't switch to criminal justice. When was your speeding ticket? Depending on what it was and how long ago, it may not be a big deal. Just be honest and say you were being dumb and have learned the error of your ways. You can always PM me (I'm sure other members here would love to help as well). Finish your education and keep your nose clean. It's very competitive right now.

[Roddd]

And yes...your degree is extremely important. While working on your degree, also pick up a minor in a foreign language. Being bilingual will help set you apart.

[Bigbird19]

The one that went to my record was back in 09, By the time I'll turn 21 Itll be like 2012 or 2013 so it would have been a while. I am currently a chemistry major so I am not sure if that will help or hinder. But I can't see that being any benefit while being a LEO. The minor in a foreign language is a very good idea. Would the foreign language minor be better then a criminal justice/ciminology minor?

[ckim34]

Stick to your current major. It will give you more options if the LE thing doesnt work out. Having a degree is criminal justice won't set you apart from people with other degrees.

The speeding tickets shouldnt be that big of a problem. I got one when I was 20 and and I was hired at 22.

In 2012-13 the LE field is still going to be very hard to get into. Maybe you can look at putting yourself through an academy after you graduate.

[mixicus]

Since LE can be a diverse field with multiple paths and goals, be more specific about your goals and in what type of agency. Generally, any degree is good for the pay bumps. Public admin, business admin, management, and leadership are good all around from a promotions stand point at most agencies. But most will simply state something along the lines of '60 units or an AA to test for Sgt.', 'BA/BS to test for Lt.', 'MA preferred to test for Capt.' not necessarily specifying a field. If your goal is more specific, tailor your education. Examples, an agency with overseas responsibility/postings may like agents with international relations or business degrees. Economics, accounting or comparative religions may have benefits in certain federal agencies. Want to be an academy instructor or teach after hours/in retirement; education. If traffic is your thing and you have the background an engineering degree is a nice touch on your resume for accident re-con (some serious money after retirement too).

Best advice though is to get a degree in a major that you enjoy. Chemistry has some interesting applications in the LE field. Depends how you sell it. You've taken more physics than just about any major, spin that to accident recon. Narc and clan lab areas are a direct benefit. WMD and hazmat as well. This gives you something to fall back on if you don't like LE or LE doesn't like you.

[Spanky8601]

Stay away from any illegal drug use. That will get you disqualified for a long time.

[Bigbird19]

Ya I figured I was gonna stay with chemistry because It can apply to a lot of stuff. It could definitely be used for drug testing and other aspects. I wanted to start off as a I guess a normal cop? I don't know what the official term is but just the ones that do patrols and answer calls and might move into research of something for the FBI.. Hopefully its not that unrealistc but i am not putting all my eggs in that basket.

[Roddd]

You can apply for the FBI directly. Also, consider spending time in the military as an officer when you graduate. That will open up a lot of doors for you in the FBI, NSA, State Department etc.

[ckim34]

If you end up working for a non-state/federal agency you will start off on patrol, or what you call a "normal cop". That is unless you end up in a SD/SO, then you probably will work court/jails.

If its something you are serious about you need to do your research. Good luck.

[Roddd]

It's a fun career and definitely worth the work you put into it before you're even hired. Go on ride alongs with the agencies close by and make friends with the officers there. They'll write you letters of recommendation.

[its mcgavin son]

Don't switch majors. I selected Criminal Justice out right after I got out of the military. Oh, man, was that a mistake. This degree will get me NOTHING in non-law enforcement/correctional employment. Zero agencies are TRUELY hiring right now.

[Tacit Blue]

The one that went to my record was back in 09, By the time I'll turn 21 Itll be like 2012 or 2013 so it would have been a while. I am currently a chemistry major so I am not sure if that will help or hinder. But I can't see that being any benefit while being a LEO. The minor in a foreign language is a very good idea. Would the foreign language minor be better then a criminal justice/ciminology minor?

The CIA is hiring students for intern position's, may want to look into that. They're hiring for the National Clandestine service. You could become infact like Jason Bourne

https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/index.html#appinfo

[cacop]

I would stick with chemistry. If you want to help yourself out with LE hiring picking up a second laguage would be good. Spanish if you want to work the streets or work for the BNE, DEA, etc. Arabic or something else for the FBI.

[DavidRSA]

I have BS in Chemistry and a law degree / CA licence... will this help?

And at what point in the hiring process? LAPD doesn't seem ask this until about step 4 or 5 in their process when you have an interview.....