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Question
If I've just graduated from college with a degree in criminal justice, how would i go about joining the police academy?
Joycelyn,
Thanks for the question, and congratulations on the degree.
It really depends on what part of the country you live in or what State.
In South Carolina, where I am from, you have to be hired by a law enforcement agency first, and then you are sent to the police academy.
In some States, you can attend a local Community College/ Junior College and complete a police academy and then get hired by a law enforcement agency in that state.
And still in others, you may patrol the road as a police officer while actively attending the police academy.
So, it really depends on where you live and what the requirements are for that particular state.
If I were you, I would check with a local police officer in your area, and see exactly what the requirements will be.
Best wishes and good luck!
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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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