Expert: Loren Stevens - 6/13/2003

Question
I was thinking about getting a double major in Computer Information Systems and Criminal Justice. I want to work for a government agency or local Police force dealing in the Tech. field. I have always been interested in the Tech. aspect of catching/monituring criminals and covert operations. I was wondering if they have any jobs that require this type combination of BA's. Also do you have any suggestions on what might be a better combination for this route.
Thank you for your help,
Scott  

Answer
Scott,
I always liked the double major no minor route, it's like two BS degrees of equal strength. You'll NEVER be aske about what you MINORED in.
The 2 areas you selected are good. Many if not most LE agencies would have a use for that.
Don't forget to consider other possibilities too, eg, CIA, DIA, NSC, DOS et al.
In police, you could be called upon to work various fraud capers, kiddy-porn-pedophiles etc.
There are also subdivisions of agencies, and joint agency initiatives that you could considder eg., FINCEN, EPIC etc
And other attendant gigs eg., RISS program.
The field is wide open, and computers' use and abuse will be plentiful.
Fornesics, DNA research, FPC work etc.
You might want to inquire when applying, if the agency reimburses for post graduate study.
good luck, hope this has been helpful.
loren