Education

[BadnewsBrown]

Hey party people. This is more directed to FTOs and patrol, but anyone can throw in their 2 cents. Does having an Associate's/Bachelor's really make you a better Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff? I passed the PAT/written at all the agencies I applied for. But once I reach my oral/pre investgative interview, I keep getting jammed by BIs when they ask me about my education. At two agencies, I went as far as the Chief's interview, and still would get drilled for not having a degree. Then the week after, I get a letter saying thanks, but no thanks. I am now going to school part time and eventually will go for my BA, but it will be a while. I understand that it shows immaturity on my part. And I admit I am stupid for not going to school right after high school. I am 27yrs old, married, one child (another on the way :D) and a house. I am not applying for detective or Sgt., I am applying for trainee. I always wanted to be a cop. I have the heart, desire, and motivation to be a cop. I guess none of that matters as long as I am a pre med student or a psychologist. Sorry folks, just a little frustrated. Thanks. :confused::(

[SgtCHP]

Hey party people. This is more directed to FTOs and patrol, but anyone can throw in their 2 cents. Does having an Associate's/Bachelor's really make you a better Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff? I passed the PAT/written at all the agencies I applied for. But once I reach my oral/pre investgative interview, I keep getting jammed by BIs when they ask me about my education. At two agencies, I went as far as the Chief's interview, and still would get drilled for not having a degree. Then the week after, I get a letter saying thanks, but no thanks. I am now going to school part time and eventually will go for my BA, but it will be a while. I understand that it shows immaturity on my part. And I admit I am stupid for not going to school right after high school. I am 27yrs old, married, one child (another on the way :D) and a house. I am not applying for detective or Sgt., I am applying for trainee. I always wanted to be a cop. I have the heart, desire, and motivation to be a cop. I guess none of that matters as long as I am a pre med student or a psychologist. Sorry folks, just a little frustrated. Thanks. :confused::(


It has long been a goal of CA LE agencies to require a four year degree before one is able to apply. That has not happened. The minimum requirement for most agencies is a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

The best retort when queried about your level of education is to say that you are striving for a degree. Enroll in school to prove the desire and show your motivation.

I started in LE in the early 1960s and was pushed throughout my career to advance my level of education - which I did.

Education produces a more professional LEO who is articulate and able to make better decisions. If you are desirous of becoming an officer, do what you can and don't give up.

[Don951]

Hey party people. This is more directed to FTOs and patrol, but anyone can throw in their 2 cents. Does having an Associate's/Bachelor's really make you a better Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff? I passed the PAT/written at all the agencies I applied for. But once I reach my oral/pre investgative interview, I keep getting jammed by BIs when they ask me about my education. At two agencies, I went as far as the Chief's interview, and still would get drilled for not having a degree. Then the week after, I get a letter saying thanks, but no thanks. I am now going to school part time and eventually will go for my BA, but it will be a while. I understand that it shows immaturity on my part. And I admit I am stupid for not going to school right after high school. I am 27yrs old, married, one child (another on the way :D) and a house. I am not applying for detective or Sgt., I am applying for trainee. I always wanted to be a cop. I have the heart, desire, and motivation to be a cop. I guess none of that matters as long as I am a pre med student or a psychologist. Sorry folks, just a little frustrated. Thanks. :confused::(

Why would you be drilled for not having a degree? I guess some departments are more selective and picky than others. If you have solid work history or military experience you should be fine. Apply at more departments while going to college and see where it takes you. Many agencies are hiring, don't just look into local PD/County Sheriff, federal LE also has positions that do not require a degree.

[CHUCKnmnV]

Badnews
Wish you the best of luck!!

[Berlioz]

Hey party people. This is more directed to FTOs and patrol, but anyone can throw in their 2 cents. Does having an Associate's/Bachelor's really make you a better Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff? I passed the PAT/written at all the agencies I applied for. But once I reach my oral/pre investgative interview, I keep getting jammed by BIs when they ask me about my education. At two agencies, I went as far as the Chief's interview, and still would get drilled for not having a degree. Then the week after, I get a letter saying thanks, but no thanks. I am now going to school part time and eventually will go for my BA, but it will be a while. I understand that it shows immaturity on my part. And I admit I am stupid for not going to school right after high school. I am 27yrs old, married, one child (another on the way :D) and a house. I am not applying for detective or Sgt., I am applying for trainee. I always wanted to be a cop. I have the heart, desire, and motivation to be a cop. I guess none of that matters as long as I am a pre med student or a psychologist. Sorry folks, just a little frustrated. Thanks. :confused::(

Having a degree shows that you have been successful in an environment where you have to learn, retain knowledge, and dedicate yourself to accomplish a goal...a trait that most agencies find appealing. A degree now-a-days is almost an unofficial requirement depending on the agency, as mentioned earlier, a smaller agency has the luxury of being picky and selective. It makes sense, as most agencies require further education to promote, why not get somebody who has that education at the beginning. LAPD really pushes you to promote and promote fast and I would imagine would be the same.

The short answer to the question "does a degree really make you a better LEO?"is: No. There are so many aspects of our job that cant be taught in any classroom environment. Life experience and a persons character makes you a better LEO.

If you get slammed for the degree, expand on your life experience. You are married and have a child and have probably have had to deal with the hardships involved with that. We get calls all the time regarding children, domestics, family disputes, etc, Youd probably have more to give in that field than say somebody who has spent their time in school, never having a real job or family to depend on you.....its all how you sell yourself.