ROTC for law enforcement?

Best way to become a law enforcement officer?

• Im 17 and finishing high school in about two weeks. I have just about 50 college units, so half a bachelors degree. I was wondering what I should do? What should I major in? Criminal Justice? Management? I was also thinking of joining the military and finishing school when I am enlisted? Or maybe should I join the ROTC program? Will being in the military help me get a job in law enforcement? Thanks!

• Answer:

  There is no best way. Majoring in CJ, or anything considered law enforcement in college will not help you get a cop job. Management is fine as in anything else that interests you. It appears you have gotten a majority of electives done in AP classes but if you have not taken an intro philosophy class I would, hopefully live and not on-line. Military is fine but not that big a deal as far as hiring goes. You get a couple of extra points on a state test but you really do not need them, since yo can obviously read and comprehend and that is all the tests really test. Going military for cheaper (to you) college is fine and military does help expand your horizons and aids in working together with others. Outside of that no real help. What a hiring board likes to see is college (in anything) great testing scores, community involvement and hazing done things, work or whatever, that has you have contact with the public. One other suggestion, unlike what mr. cool says "go to cop school" I would not suggest (if you are in a state that allows it) self sponsoring yourself to a police Academy. Lots of academy graduates who have been state certified cannot find a job. Most departments that hire such people, who have no police experience already, a tiny departments where you simply do not learn much or do much that is interesting. When you are old enough I would suggest you start applying to medium to large departments that hire you first and then send you to an academy. BTW mr. cool's "source" information is just a copy of my Y!A profile. He is just a troll who has no knowledge or expertise in police work.