2 answers
Shamario
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
6
Questions
Asked
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What are some of the best colleges to attend to become a police officer?
Hello, I want to know what are some of the best colleges to attend?
#colleges
#best
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2 answers
Ted Bergstrom
Sales
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Ted’s Answer
There is many competing sources but here is a good list: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-criminal-justice/
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
34
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Before college, here's a better suggestion. Enlist with the US Army or Marine Corps as a Military Police officer. You can sign up at 17 (with parental consent) and begin your law enforcement career while finishing high school. From your 18th birthday to 21, you could complete a 2, 3, or 4 year tour as a Military Police officer, gaining Veteran's Status and essential experience on the job, while other kids your age are struggling with college and retail (Starbucks or McDonald's) jobs.
While on active duty, you could complete a degree ON-LINE with any of several colleges, such as the University of Maryland, Global Campus, and graduate in 3 years with a BA/BS. (Most colleges and Universities give you college credit for attending military training.) The military will PAY for your college.
By the time you reach 21, you would have 3-4 years of real world law enforcement experience, a world-class university degree, and be ready (and competitive) for hire at any police agency you wish to attend.
Long term- stay in the Reserves or National Guard for 20 years, concurrent with your future LE job, and you'll qualify for a military pension and other benefits. You'll also have Veteran's Preference for every job or promotion you apply for (for life), and GI Bill benefits when you're ready to buy a home.
https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/units-tenants/USAMPS
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/mos-5811-military-police-job-description-3345569
https://www.umgc.edu/academic-programs/bachelors-degrees/criminal-justice-major.cfm
https://www.umgc.edu/transfers-and-credits/fast-paths-to-credit/military-education-training.cfm
https://militarybenefits.info/forever-gi-bill/
While on active duty, you could complete a degree ON-LINE with any of several colleges, such as the University of Maryland, Global Campus, and graduate in 3 years with a BA/BS. (Most colleges and Universities give you college credit for attending military training.) The military will PAY for your college.
By the time you reach 21, you would have 3-4 years of real world law enforcement experience, a world-class university degree, and be ready (and competitive) for hire at any police agency you wish to attend.
Long term- stay in the Reserves or National Guard for 20 years, concurrent with your future LE job, and you'll qualify for a military pension and other benefits. You'll also have Veteran's Preference for every job or promotion you apply for (for life), and GI Bill benefits when you're ready to buy a home.
Michael recommends the following next steps: