Ive always been interested in the Law enforcement and want to get started in looking at colleges and the steps to achieve this goal of mine but dont know exactly where to start...

Get your degree in Criminal Justice first, then everything will fall into place.

Hi Destiny,

One of the majors you are describing is called "criminal justice".

Here is a website to check out for careers, jobs, outlook, and colleges in the Massachusetts area.

https://discovercriminaljustice.com/state/massachusetts/context/api/listings/prefilter

This link takes more of a jobs/outcomes approach and how school can help you achieve this goal. On the left you will see all the amazing careers. On the right you will find articles that will give you more information about police academies, cases, and forensics:

https://www.criminaljusticeprograms.com/states/massachusetts/boston/

Be sure to go to an accredited college or university so that you receive credit for your hard work and your future employer can see that you are prepared for the job.

Since many areas in law enforcement use science and computer science, consider careers that combine science and law enforcement. The links above can also help you find networking groups to meet professionals and practitioners. Try to visit the programs. Try to volunteer.

Criminal justice is a great major to have. If you Cumberland, Bradley and Anderson University are some of the best in this major. The military is also a good start if your looking to serve. Take a look at Googles top 50 schools for more in your area.

Destiny,

The others suggestions about college are good and if you have the resources, getting a degree certainly checks a box in the interviewing and getting your foot in the door. A degree is well worth the time and effort long term. I would however suggest that you consider several degree options. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, and to be honest, they teach you very little about being a law enforcement officer. My agency hires people from all academic backgrounds and generally we don’t hold one degree above the other. If I had it all to do over again, I’d have gotten my degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics as they would have provided me with other avenues in my LE career and helped me as I retire and look for another job. If your interested in Crime Scene, Crime Lab or one of the growing forensic disciplines, then consider one of the sciences such as Chemistry. As you advance in your career if you want to get into the theory and academic side of law enforcement or decide to teach, then you can always go back and get a masters in AJ or a Masters in Public Administration. I have considered leaving Law Enforcement several times, but cannot compete outside this job field with the degree I have. Also be aware that many agencies will hire you with an associates degree and then have incentives that may pay for your last two years so research the agencies in your area to see what their requirements and benefits are.

I also tell everyone that is researching this career and has several years before they are going to apply; Understand the background requirements of the agency you want to work for. Hard drugs is an absolute no-no in most instances for 5 years. Our agency is 3 years for marijuana, even if you’re coming from a state where it is legal. No DUI’s and no felony convictions of any type. We lose about 40% of our candidates to the background, so be mindful of that when you are at college or just living life in general before you enter this field.

Finally do some volunteer work with your local department and do some ride a longs. This job is generally not what people think it is when they get started. Volunteering will give you chance to get to know their culture. It also will help you know if a career in public service is for you.