Expert: Jack Toomey - 3/7/2008

Question
Hello, how are you. I am a current sophomore in college majoring in Criminology and hoping to take up a career in law enforcement in the Atlanta area. I know that practically everyone starts as a patrolman, but I don't think I would want to do that for too long. My question is, in your opinion would getting a masters, spending two extra years in school, speed the process of promotion? I mean I wouldn't mind working federally either. Also, let's say I do apply and get accepted after I receive my B.S., do you think I'll be able to manage working towards my masters while working the hectic hrs of a patrolman?

Answer
Akeem,

   There are many variables that would go into an answer to your question.  Let me address the certainties first.  A masters degree is not going to speed any advancement from uniformed officer to a different position in the police department unless it is some community relations type assignement or some position where you wouldn't have much contact with the public.  Now all of this depends on the department because no two departments operate the same.

  Education has nothing to do with experience on the street.  The street is your classroom where you learn so many things that I can't begin to list them but you don't become an all-star police officer in a year and a half.  It takes years and years to gain the experience to become good at what you do just like it takes years studying medicine to become a doctor and being able to see patients.  I think that many people get the wrong idea from tv shows and think that they are capable of doing what they see on tv.  Let me tell you something.  NOTHING that you see on tv is realistic.  NOTHING.

  You asked about the hours.  Again it depends on which department you work for.  One one department you might be working all shift work, on another permanent midnights, and on another maybe all day work so attending school is very difficult while you are a police officer, espcecially while you are a rookie when they could care less about your advancement and your preferences.

  You said,  "that practically everyone starts as a patrolman, but I don't think I would want to do that for too long."  Just a little hint.  That sends a completely wrong message and if I were you I would not ever make that statement again because it tells a prospective employer that you are looking for some easy job and are looking for the quickest way to get off the street.  You would never get hired and your degree in Criminolgoy would be worthless.