question for any LEO?

[Mikerod22]

So i will officially be changing my major to criminal justice as i have spent the last year deciding whether or not taking such path would be the decision i want to make. How much of a difference does it make having a Bachelors and applying for LE then simply applying for those departments that permit. My goal is to get the Bachelors get a few years of experience as local LE then apply for one of the federal agencies.

Any suggestions, Hints, or tips would be appreciated.

[chrismia]

definitely get the college degree, but don't do it in criminal justice.
think about which federal agency you are interested in and what their special interest is? look into majors like; finance, computer science, chemistry, etc.

good luck mike!

i'm not a LEO

[lino]

i'm not a LEO

I thought you said you were a Sagittarius... :raspberry:

[spikes40]

definitely get the college degree, but don't do it in criminal justice.
think about which federal agency you are interested in and what their special interest is? look into majors like; finance, computer science, chemistry, etc.

good luck mike!

i'm not a LEO


I would have to agree

[chrismia]

I thought you said you were a Sagittarius... :raspberry:

homo

[Mikerod22]

Although i thought about it i don't really like any of those degrees maybe if anything computer science. What about minoring in one of those? I know FBI has the diversified degree that they are requesting which i believe requires some field experience which i can get locally at a Police department or go to Border patrol. I will have to sit down with and advisor and see what they say. Still if anyone has any bit of information please let me know

[chrismia]

getting the degree and local PD experience is a good route.
not to mention you can make many contacts in the PD that will only help you in your career move.

sometimes it's not what you know, but WHO you know.

[Mikerod22]

well luckily for me i have made contacts NOW with high ranked officers.that will help me get into local PD. I still have a ways to go so for the next 3 years i will be making connections and furthering my martial arts, Firearms, and Self defense so that i am highly qualified for when i do get this degree and start looking into the PD. Again if any LEO are out there please give me suggestions.

[BrooklynBacon]

My degree is in the farthest thing from Criminal Justice..I got a B.A. in International Relations...you don't need a CJ degree to be a cop..the academy will provide you with all the necessary training you need, and Field Training will show you the practical application of what you learned. Some people may disagree with me, but don't go too hard on the firearms training. You don't want to pick up bad habits and have to re-learn everything when you go off to the academy. Trust me, the academy isn't that difficult. Just listen, pay attention..the only thing you need to do is work out..don't go in there like a lard ass..cause then you'll just get smoked even more. Good luck in the future..

[Mikerod22]

Thanks brooklynbacon i appreciate the input, i'll definitely keep all that in mind!

[Frontline]

A) go to an acedemy, (dont be a knowit all, I dont care who or what you know, be NOBODY,and DONT BE A POGUE)
B)Graduate
C)Get picked up by an agency you WANT to work for and be at. DO NOT TELL THEM YOU HAVE INTENTIONS OF GOING FEDERAL someday. You wil not get hired.
D)finish college with your degree(s)
E) take experience and apply for Federal Agency (UGH) of yer choice.

4yrs on the force, Loving it.

Firearms instructor
Armorer

[Mikerod22]

Thanks Frontline! Never been one to think im a know it all, I know theres always something to learn. Im all for being humble, i've seen way to many people who try to bring up who and what they know, and it completely backfires. Definitely finishing my degree and eventually apply for federal agency. why the ugh though?

[BrooklynBacon]

Cause the Feds suck..lol. If you're a city/county cop, many of us have had the experience where they come in, take all of your hard work and take the credit for it..I'll tell you from my dealings, the only ones that are worth anything are the DEA and ATF guys..they're always willing to help you, take your cases federal, and all we have to do is give up a little intel.

[Frontline]

Cause the Feds suck..lol. If you're a city/county cop, many of us have had the experience where they come in, take all of your hard work and take the credit for it..I'll tell you from my dealings, the only ones that are worth anything are the DEA and ATF guys..they're always willing to help you, take your cases federal, and all we have to do is give up a little intel.

What he said.

When I was younger and had no idea what life really meant, I wanted to go fed also. After the Military, that all changed.

[Mikerod22]

Well thats always good to know, We shall see were my path takes me then, As of right now i am sure that i want to be a leo, and that is my main objective as of right now, Once im there, we will see were i want to take it! Thanks guys i appreciate the feedback, Its always good to hear what others think and take that into account. Specially being young, i like to take in what those older then me have to say. It might not always be correct because we all know that their are some ignorant people out there but its still information that may benefit me! Thanks again guys