Expert: Jack Toomey - 9/8/2009

Question
Hi, my name C.J. I'm a sophomore in collage and majoring in criminal justice. I'm hoping to get on with the state police after him done with school. My question is this. I Know you don't got to have a degree in criminal justice to be a state cop. Should i change my major so i have a fall back plan, or will this degree put me above other people who have a degree in something else that are trying to be state cops? This is what iv always wanted to do so i want to make chances as high as possible. I have a great record and have never been in trouble with the law. One more thing. Do you got to be a criminal justice major to do an internship with the state police? Your advise would be greatly appreciated. THANKS

Answer
C.J.

I found your question sitting in the Question Pool.  I'd advise asking an individual expert in the future if you expect a prompt answer.

There is no way to speak for all fifty state police departments.  They all have their own hiring standards and conduct their own background investigations, etc.  I can speak for my own department, which is not a state police department.  They are not impressed with criminal justice degrees in fact really don't care what your degree is in because very little, besides English, that you learn in college will be of use in the police department.  It is your exposure to new ideas, the ability to be creative, and write creatively which you learn in college which is important.  Everything that you will need to know will be learned in the academy and on the street.

Everyone claims that they have a great background but its really not your clean record that will get you hired.  Its your aptitude for police work, your ability to write clearly and concisely, your ability to speak clearly and having a good command of the language,  what your friends and former employees say about you, and other factors is what gets you hired.
I'd like to point something out to you.  In your question you have made several grammatical errors which would not impress a state police background investigator.  I'd suggest a remedial course in writing to enhance your chances.