Is a degree in criminal justice really worth it?

Question

I want to become a police officer all my life. So now I am currently enrolled in college trying to get a degree in criminal justice. My friend (Who is a 10 year veteran cop) just told me that I don't even need a degree. I called the major cities around my area (San Francisco, Oakland in CA) and they all confirmed that all you needed was a HS Diploma or GED. My friend told me to just major in something different, like business or marketing. For if I change my mind in law enforcement, I at least have something to fall on. And plus, with other degrees, I can do other things at the side. Plus he said the Police agencies around my area are hiring like crazy, theres no such thing as job competition. Im really confused.

Answer 1

YES and in some State's and Cities it is a requirement.

Answer 2

A criminal justice degree might not be required but during the hiring process and promotions you will be looked at more than someone who doesn't  have one. Plus it will help you if you want to go state or federal.

Answer 3

apply for a police job WHILE your in college. If your accepted leave school. If your rejected ask them if you would have been hired if you had a degree in C.J. If they say yes, stay in school and get the degree.

Answer 4

My dept want "more rounded" individuals with a variety of life experience and skills, rather than just criminal justice experience. For example in my dept everyone needs a 4 year college degree, with no preference for what the major was. I feel that some of the recruits with a CJ background had a slight edge at the start of the academy, but this was soon evened out. Also some of the guys who had lived and breathed being a cop since childhood, seem to be the ones who got disillusioned real quick...

I would suggest you get a degree in a subject that will help you should your dreams of a cop don't happen. Many cops are injured and are unable to continue their police career, while others find that after 5-7 years they have had enough of the BS. Its always good to have a back up plan, and transferable skills available to you.

As for "job competition", do some independent research. In the metro area I work there are depts that have literally 100s of qualified candidates for each available position, and others that can't fill their empty positions. There is a reason for this, some depts are good to work for...others not so good, and it isn't just a matter of pay and benefits.\

Good luck.