Expert: Dick Rogers - 7/14/2007

Question
Hey Mr. Rogers, I am 15 years old and going into grade 10, after grade 10 I will have to pick courses. After I graduate I would like to pursue a career in law enforcement, mainly as a police officer. Do you have any tips on which courses I should take in school and in college or university? Also, after I graduate to become a cop is it necessary to go to university or can you go straight to cop school?

Answer
Dylan, glad to see someone interested in embracing law enforcement as a career.  With that said, I think you should consider college as a serious pre-requisite.  Most people hired by various law enforcement agencies have college degrees.  If you seek to advance in this work, having a college degree or a graduate level degree will do much for your career.  You could specialize in Administration of Justice or straight Criminal Justice courses.  I don't think there is much to study at a high school level other than getting good grades in the courses you do take and doing extra curricula work to show that you think of others beside yourself.  Keep a clean record, no dope, booze or sleazy characters.  Anyone can be a scumbag...there are too many out there.  We need people who can deal with these missing links.  I wish you well in your endeavor.