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Question
Mr. Payne,
Is it possible to obtain a law enforcement position without an advanced degree? Specifically is it possible to be hired with only a high school degree? If so, what kinds of positions could one with only a high school degree hope to be considered for?
Wes,
Thanks for the question.
There are a lot of departments that now require some type of college degree or credit hours towards a degree, but the vast majority of law enforcement agencies, state or local, do not require any college.
I believe all require a high school diploma or at a minimum a G.E.D.
I personally know a lot of officers that do not have any college education and do not have plans to go to college. I also know numerous high-ranking police officers that do not have any college education.
It's great to get that college education and to continuously learn, but I'll take the veteran with experience over a college education non-experienced officer any day of the week.
Look at all of the police Web Sites out there for the different agencies, most will have their individual requirements outlined.
Good luck and best wishes!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much, Mr. Payne. You were a great help. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
William Payne
Expertise
South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.
Experience
Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.
Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.
Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.
Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.
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