Learning How to Enforce the Law
Are you excited by the idea of safeguarding lives and possessions, maintaining peace, enforcing laws, and apprehending criminals? Do you look forward to the thrill of a high-speed car chase or the satisfaction of handcuffing a thief? Could you deliver a stern warning to a teen driver caught speeding or safely end a domestic fight? If so, you should consider a degree from one of many available law enforcement schools. Typical courses provide the training you need to begin serving your community: federal, state, and/or local law, ethics, report writing, firearms use, community relations, effective communication, investigation techniques, juvenile justice, probation and parole, emergency response, and the history of law enforcement.

Education Opens Doors to Law Enforcement Careers
A law enforcement degree can provide a path to positions such as police officer, detective, parole officer, marshal, game warden, or FBI agent. Most federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies prefer candidates with degrees, and some require them. Taking the first step by attending law enforcement school is a way to get your feet wet, helping you determine if you're ready to apply to your chosen agency's academy and move into what can be a dangerous and stressful--but nonetheless fulfilling--community leadership role as a law enforcement officer. Even if you've known since childhood that you would be in law enforcement, earning a degree first is still a good choice: it distinguishes you from other applicants and positions you for promotion.