Expert: Eric Potts - 11/19/2008

Question
How ya doing?

Ok well I've got a few questions about Law Enforcement.

1. If I get a bachelors in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice, what possible
jobs could I apply for? I'm really interesting in working in security, but a
regular cop wouldn't be so bad.

2. Are there any majors that apply to just working in security only?

3. What's it like being a MP Officer? I had read a few descriptions but I'd
rather have a firsthand experience.
3a. Which degree would help me be more successful as a MP?

4. If I become a cop instead and would like to be on a SWAT team, should I
move to a highly populated area like Los Angeles or New York? Would Dallas
even be fine?(I live an hour away)

5. How likely is it to get on a SWAT team?

6. Are there any other special units in Law Enforcement? Like I said before, I
would really be interested in anything that involved nothing but security.

Little about myself:
3.7 GPA Ranked 21 out of 250
Eagle Scout
I've actually been out of shape lately due to a back injury I sustained, but at
the moment Im a junior and should be back into excellent condition by the
time I graduate

Thanks in Advance

BTW, sorry If these questions are a little random. Im just not too sure about
what I want to do in the field of Law Enforcement yet.

Answer
Hello Zack,

I will do my best to answer your questions as best as possible, I'll take each one separately.

1. With a degree in Criminal Justice you certainly would have no trouble getting a job in security. Within the Law Enforcement community you could apply for Police Officer, Sheriffs Deputy or even explore working in Homeland security, the secret Service, ATF or FBI. There are lots of possibilities.

2. Contact your local college or university and inquire.

3. To be honest the job has changed so much since I was in the service, we did much more Law enforcement when I was in than I imagine is done today-the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was turning to a more combat oriented MOS even while I was in the Army 22 years ago, so my description would not be accurate. Talk to a recruiter in your are for better more up to date information. To the best of my knowledge you only need a High School diploma to become a MP-but must score high on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) or what ever test they use now.

4. I can't answer that, live where you feel most comfortable, if SWAT interests you, be sure the department you apply to has a SWAT team.

5. Again not an answerable question, how likely is it to be hired as a police officer? Competition is fierce and may be the same to get on the SWAT team. when I tested to become  police officer there was over 1,000 applicants that took the written test-out of that 1,000 people I had to come out number 1 to get hired...so it is all relative.

I certainly wish you much luck in whatever direction you decide to take.

Eric