Criminal Law/CJ Degree

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Expert: - 1/1/2010


Question
Hello, I am not sure if this is the correct venue to ask this question, but no one will give me a straight answer in person.  Maybe there is no straight answer.  But it relates to your Bachelor's in CJ.

Do you believe that your CJ degree helped start your law enforcement career more than a non-CJ bachelor's degree would?  And were you hired immediately following your graduation?  I have heard that many departments prefer applicants to have a higher degree or more 'life experience'.

I am a college freshman enrolled in civil engineering, but I am unsure if it is my future.  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Will,

You are correct.  There is no straight answer.  The reason is because that there are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards.  We have no national police department like they have in other countries.  

I can tell you this.  MY department could care less what the degree is in.  There are some that are not impressed at all with a criminal justice degree because everything that you are going to need is taught in the police academy and not in a college classroom.  

You are correct when you say that "some" departments prefer a more mature person rather than a 21 year old and yet I have seen 21 year olds hired.  A lot has to do with how someone presents himself during oral interviews.  

In the end think of this.  Only about 5% of people who apply for the position of police officer are actually hired.  The rest wash out somewhere along the way.  A civil engineering degree will probably be more valuable to you in life than a criminal justice degree if you fail to get hired.

In NO WAY am I trying to tell you to switch majors or to stay with the one you have.  I have to note this disclaimer because your decision could affect the rest of your life.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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