AboutLoren Stevens Expertise Retired after 31 years in a large metropolitan PD.
Areas of expertise: COVERT OPERATIONS. Management, Administration, Inspections, U/C development, Project design, Ethics, and other related sub topics in COVERT OPERATIONS.
Question What are some helpful courses to take if you want to be a police officer?
Answer Hello Billy,
Much depends on what your existing academic background looks like.
Also, I would encourage you to sit down with a college/University academic advisor, and consult on a more comprehensive level.
In my view, and opinion, a person can't go wrong with taking courses in written and oral communications.
Talking to folks, and writing reports are two aspects of police work that you will do alot of, and on a sustained basis.
Also, you might consider what part of the country you are interested in serving.
If the area you like has a large Hispanic or any other cultural group or subcultural group, you might be wise in talking language courses in those areas.
If you are considering an agency near a border, or one that deals with international interests, you might look at classes in international affairs/law.
And, political science is helpful, as are any classes in Constitutional law. In police work, you need to have a grasp on Constitutional law in general, relevant amendments in specific, Bill of Rights absolutely, and the fourth amendment completely.
Some of the social and behavioral sciences are good to take, as you will be dealing with people under a variety of conditions. The more you understand about the human animal, the wiser choices you tend to make on a given police matter.
If there is a Criminal Justice Department in a near by school, look at some classes in Rules of evidence, and criminalistics.
There is also value in theater arts, and understanding observation/perception/retention skills.
Computer science would be helpful.
Also, you need to determine how much college you expect to have, prior to going for the job as police officer.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren
