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615 Questions

Last Answer on October 29, 2014

So it's okay that they put down concrete on their lawn, 10 feet into my property, which caused water runoff that flooded my basement more than once? Plus they leave lit camp fires outside over night right next to building supplies.

Asked by Jackson over 10 years ago

As was probably already explained to you, it is a civil issue. Contact an attorney and sue them if you so desire.

I have wanted to become a police officer since I was a child, however I also want to go to university, so I wanted to get a degree that would help. What degree would you recommend?

Asked by Jimmy over 10 years ago

Contact the department you wish to work for and see if they require a degree. I would recommend the least expensive degree possible, as they will largely be useless in law enforcement. You can read through my prior answers for additional information on college degrees and law enforcement.

473 Votes

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

Asked by Joey over 10 years ago

I've touched on these topics before. In brief:

1. Every department's hiring standards are different. Contact the agency you would want to work for and see what their requirements are. Most are looking for a two year degree or military experience. A few want a four year degree.

2. All other things being equal, the military experience is far more valuable than the piece of paper from some college.

3. A CJ major is not needed to get hired, even if a department requires a college degree. Consider picking a major with practical application beyond law enforcement.

4. Debt is bad. Student debt is extremely bad. A cops salary will not pay off a student loan very quickly at all. Student debt is one of the major problems with the economy in this country now.

If I was just starting out, I would join the military and work on my two-year degree while I was active duty. Then I would come out with a head start on college plus the GI bill if I wanted to continue that. If I wanted to jump right into police work, I would have the experience plus a two year degree. Many departments offer a tuition reimbursement program, so you could go to work for a PD, continue college on their dime and save the GI bill for an advanced school if you so desired.

For example, 4 years military gets the GI bill and a two year degree. 4 years as a law enforcement officer and you get your bachelors degree. Then you could use your GI bill to get a law degree if you wanted. Just my thoughts.

473 Votes

i live in texas and thinking of going to the angelina college regional police academy as soon as i get fit and when in dont with that would i have to do training and what would i expect in training.

Asked by monica duncan about 10 years ago

This is a good starting point: http://www.sjpd.org/BFO/FieldTraining/home.html

473 Votes

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Are the police taught to try and arrest armed criminals away from the public at all costs? For example, say the police have tracked a dangerous fugitive to a restaurant, would they wait until he leaves the restaurant to arrest him, or go right in?

Asked by Sam I over 10 years ago

Officers are trained to protect the public. Each incident is differerent, and the risk to the public could be greater by allowing him to leave the restaurant. For example, what if he is parked by the front door and has a bomb in the vehicle? It might be safer to take him down inside.

There is no way to control a situation and completely protect the public. That is an unrealistic, but common, view. Officers will take reasonable actions based on the information they have at the time.

473 Votes

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Asked by John over 10 years ago

It should not be a major issue. Make sure you are honest about the incident when applying. Any attempt to conceal or minimize the incident will indicate a lack of honesty. Questions about honesty will absolutely destroy your shot at being hired.

473 Votes

Is it true that a Police Officers must be tasered and/or pepper sprayed before graduating the police academy?

Asked by Lucas over 10 years ago

Yes.

472 Votes

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Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

So it's okay that they put down concrete on their lawn, 10 feet into my property, which caused water runoff that flooded my basement more than once? Plus they leave lit camp fires outside over night right next to building supplies.

I have wanted to become a police officer since I was a child, however I also want to go to university, so I wanted to get a degree that would help. What degree would you recommend?

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

i live in texas and thinking of going to the angelina college regional police academy as soon as i get fit and when in dont with that would i have to do training and what would i expect in training.

Also on Jobstr...

Are the police taught to try and arrest armed criminals away from the public at all costs? For example, say the police have tracked a dangerous fugitive to a restaurant, would they wait until he leaves the restaurant to arrest him, or go right in?

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Is it true that a Police Officers must be tasered and/or pepper sprayed before graduating the police academy?

Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

So it's okay that they put down concrete on their lawn, 10 feet into my property, which caused water runoff that flooded my basement more than once? Plus they leave lit camp fires outside over night right next to building supplies.

I have wanted to become a police officer since I was a child, however I also want to go to university, so I wanted to get a degree that would help. What degree would you recommend?

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

i live in texas and thinking of going to the angelina college regional police academy as soon as i get fit and when in dont with that would i have to do training and what would i expect in training.

Also on Jobstr...

Are the police taught to try and arrest armed criminals away from the public at all costs? For example, say the police have tracked a dangerous fugitive to a restaurant, would they wait until he leaves the restaurant to arrest him, or go right in?

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Is it true that a Police Officers must be tasered and/or pepper sprayed before graduating the police academy?

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