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Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> 10 Steps to Joining the Force
Step 1: Learn About the Law Enforcement Field
189 Comments
Many people have a preconceived notion of law enforcement based on the sensational scenes shown on the news or at the movies. But what is it really like to be a street cop? Or a federal agent? Or a conservation officer? There are hundreds of career paths within law enforcement and all are done for the love of it – not for the promise of fortune or fame. Find out the basics about law enforcement here, including:
• Types of agencies: local police departments ...
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nicah
over 2 years ago
2 Comments
Can anyone tell me the best way to prepare for testing and oral interviews? I am trying to get a position in a PD and have some interviews coming up. Want to be sure I am prepared. Not sure what to expect. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Bearsfan83
over 2 years ago
4 Comments
I will be graduating with my Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2012. How soon before or after should I start applying for a position? I am not picky as to where I work and will look in all of my surrounding towns for open positions.
Thanks!
Rob
NANCYT1979
over 2 years ago
270 Comments
Does anyone know where I can get my Master's in Criminal Justice? I am looking for a good school that offers this degree, currently I'm going for my MBA but I am looking for a more challenging school. Let me know please, BTW I reside in Chicago :)
Anonymous
over 2 years ago
I'm planning to attend Westwood College to earn my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. :)
Anonymous
over 2 years ago
I AM ABOUT TO GET MY ASSOCIATES'S DEGREE IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN APPLIED SCIENCE ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. I PLAN TO JOIN TEXAS A & M FOR MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING. ONE MAJOR PROBLEM, IV'E ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A DETECTIVE, POLICE OFFICER OR SOMEONE IN LAW INFORCEMENT FIELD. SHOULD I CHANGE MY MAJOR OR WILL THEY EXCEPT ME WITH MY ENGINEERING DEGREE. I AM A PHI THETTA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY STUDENT WHO HAS ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
BABYHOG1
over 2 years ago
2 Comments
I AM 43 YRS OLD CAN I SIGN A WAIVER SINCE AM A VETERAN OF THE ARMED FORCES.
BELO66
over 2 years ago
2 Comments
I retire today from the navy after 20 yrs. Want to do something in law enforcement. Any info will be greatly appreciated. THANKS
jasondecort
over 2 years ago
4 Comments
I live in illinois, im going to school for criminal justcie, and ive been looking into the cadet program, and have applied at the aurora IL police dept for the program. Does anyone know of any other Illinois cities that are near Aurora that have the cadet programs?
Islandson1
almost 3 years ago
6 Comments
Can any sworn LEOs / recruiting agencies tell me what there take
is on Honorable Veteran's crossing over to the Blue.. I know they have Veterans Preference..
But some Honorable Vet's I know do not have the college degree..
Any guidance would help.. Thanks
kobem08110
about 3 years ago
2 Comments
Im a criminal justice major and I will finish my ass. degree in the fall of next year, but im looking into a job in law enforcement, right now NJ is not hiring, do anybody know where i can star applying, so i can at least get my feet in the door. I would love to be a NJ State Police, is my dream job. and mybe later on become a FBI. many people try to put my hopes down, telling me is going to be too hard for me, but i have my heart in it so im going for it, if anybody have any tips, i will be glad to recive it. Thanx
Mtarte
about 3 years ago
112 Comments
To those of you who are looking at Phoenix U or another, for profit college for a CJ degree, don't. Check out your local community college and start taking courses there. Cheaper and a better education for the first two years of a 4 year degree. Smaller classes, professors who actually teach and meet with you, not TA's in lecture halls of 300, etc. Also, ANY college, not just a CJ degree is beneficial. Study what interests you and you have a passion for. It could be English, sociology, biology, business, whatever. Most PDs are not looking for a CJ major, they are looking for a candidate with some college honed by life experience. Take some CJ classes so you know what you are getting into. If it becomes your major, great. If not, pursue what you love and get that education.
Mtarte
about 3 years ago
112 Comments
Emily, what are you talking about? Each state has different laws and stauatory law is what is enforced. Jargon? Each career field has it's own vocabulary. Policing is no different.
MOONDOGGY
about 3 years ago
4 Comments
All of This I Agree Totally With/Have A Great Geal Of Respect About!Sincerly;(MOONDOGGY)
calling
about 3 years ago
2 Comments
I want to get a associates degree in Criminal Justice, I want to do it online. Does anyone know a good university that is respectable and cheap?
joseph40
about 3 years ago
6 Comments
Even learned Immigration Law but due to there freeze will never know if i would have been good with them or not.