Should i go to college if i want to become a cop ?

trooper3316

A college degree will be valuable when it comes time for promotions, advancements, and special assignments.

The degree will be much easier to get before you get hired, because of a police officer's irregular working hours.

Absolutely! The more college you have, the better. Some police departments only require their officers to have a high school diploma or GED, some police departments require their officers to have a two year degree or equivalent, and some police departments require their officers to have a four year degree or equivalent. Even if the department does not require college, you will have a better chance of getting hired if you have a degree. Having a degree will also benefit you when it comes time for trying to get a promotion after you are hired. Some police departments that don't require a college degree, pay their officers more if they have a degree. You should attend college if at all possible. There are many things that you can do to increase your chances of becoming a police officer. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

ahsoasho2u2

Don't have to but never hurt.
You can go now or do later depending upon time and financial resources.
I did all my schooling over a 30 year period. Between grants, loans etc and not to mention wife and kids.
Then again education is an ongoing process.
Could go into the Military, GI Bill, experience in Military Police etc??

Jesse M

I have a very dear friend who is a sergeant with the NYPD and I can tell you that his degree was integral to both his hiring and his advancement. You can major in anything, but police science or criminal justice are best.

Where do you live? If you're in New York, I can probably make some recommendations.

Boo

If you have the opportunity to go to college you should always take it. yes it will help you with your career advancement as a cop.

Chalk

Some police departments require at least a two year degree, and many state police departments want a four year degree. Here is my advice. If you can be a cop right now, then start working at it. I mean, if you can be hired right now as a police officer, then get the job and work on the degree part time. Many major colleges and universities offer online courses as well as night or weekend courses for working people. So, if there is a police officer job in your town or an area that you can be hired for right now, get the job, as the experience will go a lot further initially than a degree.

You asked so...

Definitely go to college. A degree will help you advance throughout your career.

Good luck.

THUG LIFE

I think you kinda have to. Most police officers here are college educated.

Larry Hussein S: AKA Larry S

I would call your local police department. I know in L.A., when they recruit for policeman, and you qualify, you go to their police academy. I don't think they require a college degree.

sig_j_a

I would sure give you a heads up on those yahoos that just go to a few weeks of training. Most community colleges will have a criminal justice program with different versions of it such as law enforcement, parole and probation, security....etc etc. That would be your best option being a police officer should be more brains than brawn.