Let's hear it!

[BigAznDaddy]

I just applied to the sheriff's office to work there full time until I am 21 then i am going to be a cop :)

[Sidoh]

You're not going to finish school?

[Chavo]

A Bachelor (or at least an Associate) degree is required to be a police officer in many areas, that might be part of his plan.

[BigAznDaddy]

A degree is not required for PD work. so what i am thinking is if i work for the sheriff's that can beef up my work experience in the force. and i may get to know some sheriff officers.

[Sidoh]

A degree is not required for PD work. so what i am thinking is if i work for the sheriff's that can beef up my work experience in the force. and i may get to know some sheriff officers.

So you're not going to finish school?

[BigAznDaddy]

nope i figure what is the point of a degree if i will not use it? if I need field work or i go into forensics i will take the needed classes. but as of right now i want to get started on my life, make money, do something.
When and if i go to the sheriff's department. I will be sent to New Mexico to an academy where i will receive the necessary training to do the job.
I really dont want to waste money on something that is not required.

[Blaze]

lol @ ^

[BigAznDaddy]

???

[Chavo]

A degree may not be required where you work, but that doesn't mean it won't help you get a better position or climb the ranks faster.  While I hate a lot of the ABET requirements, the idea that any college graduate has a minimum skill set as an educated person should not be discarded lightly.

[Sidoh]

nope i figure what is the point of a degree if i will not use it? if I need field work or i go into forensics i will take the needed classes. but as of right now i want to get started on my life, make money, do something.
When and if i go to the sheriff's department. I will be sent to New Mexico to an academy where i will receive the necessary training to do the job.
I really dont want to waste money on something that is not required.

I don't mean to imply it's impossible or even unlikely to be unsuccessful without a degree, but it does seem like your reasoning is a bit naive.

Getting almost any job is easier with a degree, and you'll likely get more pay if you have one.  I don't know if you've seen the statistics, but the average amount a person with a BS/BA makes over the course of a lifetime is quite a bit more than someone without one.

Have you considered working part time or something like that?  That way, you can kind of do both.

In any case, good luck.  I'm sure you'll do fine whatever it is you decide to do.  Have you tried talking to a few people who are employed under the same title that you're looking to pursue?  I think that'd probably be an excellent source for advice.

[topaz~]

Having a degree isn't going to get him anywhere in the force. Looking qualified isn't what gets you promotions.

[Blaze]

Having a degree isn't going to get him anywhere in the force. Looking qualified isn't what gets you promotions.

You're one of the least qualified people to say anything of the sort.  Shut up.

[topaz~]

Having a degree isn't going to get him anywhere in the force. Looking qualified isn't what gets you promotions.

You're one of the least qualified people to say anything of the sort.  Shut up.

Well, you say that now, but at least I'm headed somewhere. Having a degree doesn't mean anything when you want to work for law enforcement, unless you intend to move into CSI or forensics related work. In fact, you may need to pass (or more precisely, fail) an IQ test to get accepted to an academy.

edit: http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_56314.html

[Chavo]

You are obviously right, the ability to write at a College level, a stronger understanding of the justice system, or even minute benefit from a public speaking or economics class wouldn't help his career at all.  Oh wait...

Do you even know what a police officer does or are you just assuming the entire job description is riding around with your sirens on and eating donuts?

[BigAznDaddy]

You are obviously right, the ability to write at a College level, a stronger understanding of the justice system, or even minute benefit from a public speaking or economics class wouldn't help his career at all.  Oh wait...

Do you even know what a police officer does or are you just assuming the entire job description is riding around with your sirens on and eating donuts?

Its more than that.
but I want to experience the justice system on a hands on approach. and the material i am going to need is going to be taught to me at the acadamy.
and as a cadet i will not be doing patrol i will be at the courts, juvenile detentions, and a variety of other locations.
I am not bashing school or whatever but i don't think it is the right thing for me.
Sure for you guys it may be the right thing, you guys are genius', but i am just some guy that has an ambition to become an officer.
If it was not this I would be going to the marines, but i would rather stay close to home.