College student looking for a job in Law Enforcement

[copritch]

I am currently a senior at West Texas A&M University getting my BS in computer science in December. WHAA! I was looking to get into law enforcement after I graduated. I was looking toward the Texas DPS. Everyone tells me I have a better chance to get in because of my major. I was wondering if anybody could tell me if this is the truth or will I have an up hill battle just like everyone else applying with a BS degree in anything? The next question I have is should I wait till December when I graduate to apply or do it right now while I am job hunting? The last question I have is there a better law enforcement agency that I should apply for that will be more receptive to my BS degree? Any other information would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

Coby
:D

[BD]

Coby,

I can't tell you whether it will be easier to get into the Texas DPS because of your major, but it is sure to be of some help with no matter what agency you apply to. You might want to consider the Texas Police Corps, in your job consideration. The Police Corps is part of a federal program, that gives a sizable scholarship, pays for your training, and then places with you an agency in Texas. The only catch is you have to agree to stay in the program for a required four years. It is a good program. The website for the Texas Police Corps is: http://www.texaspolicecorps.com/ I have been in the application process with the Massachusetts Police Corps for a little while now, and the Police Corps program in general seems very worthwhile and valuable. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

BD

[ksrog01]

Well copritch, I had the same question when I applied with the Texas DPS. I graduated in May with a BA in Criminology, and I asked the Sergeant here in town if my degree would help me in getting in the DPS. He told me that it doesn't matter whether or not you have a degree, because they don't look at that when they hire individuals. The only thing they look at is your test scores from the written exams, interviews, and physical exams. So basically it doesn't matter if you are an ex-Navy Seal, or a college grad,. with no law enforcement experience. They do this in order to keep the playing field level, everybody has the same chances of being hired. Also, you need to get the ball rolling on the application process. I applied back in March, and I was told that I will not be leaving to the academy until January. Good Luck!