3 answers
brian
Student
Irvona, PA
1
Question
Asked
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What classes do you have to take in college to become a police officer?
I am interested in pursuing a career in the law enforcement. #police #law-enforcement #criminal-justice
3 answers
Lahoma Moran
Police Officer
2
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Lahoma’s Answer
To be a police officer in Texas, you must complete a Basic Peace Officer Course through a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement [TCOLE]-approved agency. However, many departments also want you to also have a degree- but it doesn't have to be in Criminal Justice.
Much of being a police officer requires great listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Most college classes will help you practice those skills. Additionally, if you have a particularly strong desire to work in Accident Investigation/Reconstruction, math classes would be beneficial; if you want to evaluate evidence, science classes would help; and if you desire to be a homicide detective, you might find psychology or sociology classes would give you an advantage. Notice how the coursework relates to the topic of interest and pick what you find most interesting.
Much of being a police officer requires great listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Most college classes will help you practice those skills. Additionally, if you have a particularly strong desire to work in Accident Investigation/Reconstruction, math classes would be beneficial; if you want to evaluate evidence, science classes would help; and if you desire to be a homicide detective, you might find psychology or sociology classes would give you an advantage. Notice how the coursework relates to the topic of interest and pick what you find most interesting.
Jeffrey Fisher
Law enforcement
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Target what you may eventually like to do as a police officer or investigator. If working with homicide or as a corner investigator, take lots of science-related courses. Otherwise, stick to computers or financial.
Bob Callen
Director, Security & Risk
3
Answers
Norwood, Massachusetts
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Brian,
Many colleges offer a degree in criminal justice; either 2 year or 4 year. If hired, most departments will send you to a police academy. I received a 4 year BA degree in criminal justice. After spending 29 years in law enforcement, my recommendation for a college degree would be a degree in anything but criminal justice. You'll get the education in the academy and experience on the job. If you were to change your mind about law enforcement, you'll have a degree to fall back on; I.E. accounting. Hope this helps
Many colleges offer a degree in criminal justice; either 2 year or 4 year. If hired, most departments will send you to a police academy. I received a 4 year BA degree in criminal justice. After spending 29 years in law enforcement, my recommendation for a college degree would be a degree in anything but criminal justice. You'll get the education in the academy and experience on the job. If you were to change your mind about law enforcement, you'll have a degree to fall back on; I.E. accounting. Hope this helps
Thank you for your response I found it very helpful.
brian
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