Cops or Ex cops, answer this

Question

will taking a basic Criminal Justice class give me a good idea as to what it takes to become a cop, or what cops TRULY deal with on a daily / nightly basis?

should i take the basic CJ course, or is this a waste of time.

Answer 1

Why not go on a ride along with your local police department. This will give you a pretty good idea of what they do. I suggest you go several nights to see what they do on a daily basis..........

Answer 2

CJ classes have nearly nothing to do with police work.  Other than laying out the basic responsibilities of police officers, they're all about criminal law and the justice system.  

If you want to know anything about real police work, request to do a ride along at your local PD.

Answer 3

No answer you receive you let you know how it really is. I can tell you what I think it takes, but it's just my feelings. You must be the type of person who is willing to put all others before yourself. Sounds easy doesn't it !  It had better be. When you take office, you are sworn to do so. Life or death!  Are you willing to do this?  How do you feel about deadly force?  Are you going to be able to make the choice to shoot to kill?  Think hard about having to make that choice.  The most dangers call an officer can go on is a domestic. In my six years of law enforcement I have drawn my weapon a number of times. All on domestics. I thank God daily for not having to shot anyone yet, but I know what the possibility is every time  I come on duty. Do you believe in a man name Jesus who died on the cross for to have a chance to miss a burning h**l?  Are you ready to die?  These are just some of the questions you must be able to answer.  For the sake of time and a too long of a response, I'll let these be your thoughts for awhile. Remember, you must be able to answer these questions on your own. Because, in the field the first encounter of a murder suspect, you will be own your own until your partner gets there!  Hope this response wasn't too long.  

Answer 4

In addition to what was previously stated, you may consider volunteering at your local police department.  The police department in my hometown had what is called "Citizens on Patrol". I also highly recommend going on a ride along at least a few times.

Answer 5

I agree.  A ride-along is the best way to get a picture of daily duties.  

Should you take CJ classes?  I don't think so.  Major in business or Public Administration instead, as this will make you more well-rounded as a future candidate for promotion to sergeant or lieutenant.

You will get all the CJ course work you need (and more) at the police academy...and will get paid (hopefully) as a recruit to attend!!  Many California police academies have a 6-month curriculum and are associated with a community college, qualifying you for an AA degree in CJ upon academy graduation.

The main pre-requisite for law enforcement work is INTEGRITY, hands-down.  I define this as the ability to behave in an honest fashion and do the right thing, even when no one else is looking.  When cops lie, the entire profession loses credibility.  Honest cops are the most effective cops, as we NEVER need to lie or trick the bad guys into committing crime or acting like retards.  They do that on their own.

Additionally, stay away from pot and anything harder and don't get arrested yourself.  Those two areas are killers when you are trying to get hired.

That being said, after 15 years, I still love the job every day.  You get to deal with real-world problems and help people.  You get to drive around all day outside on patrol (not a cubicle, desk or telephone).  Court is interesting.  Shooting guns is fun and challenging.  Just the general feeling that your daily work makes a huge difference in people's lives, that's the best thing.  Just think of all the things you can do BEYOND driving a patrol car every day: Detectives, the SWAT team, undercover work, helicopters, K-9 officer, media relations, IA investigations.  There's a reason there are so many TV shows about law enforcement:  IT'S ALWAYS INTERESTING, day in, day out.

Plus, the money and retirement cannot be beat.  In CA, $100K+ is an achievable goal if you are willing to work overtime.