I know there are a lot of law enforcement people here to I thought you guys might have some insight for us

My husband is a Loss prevention manager for a big retailer and loves what he does, and is also really good at it.

He also has his PI license in about 38 states, including our own due to time spent working as an insurance fraud investigator. Which helps with pay scale and job opportunities.

He is thinking about going back to school however and pursuing a criminal justice degree because it would help in his current field but also open up doors for down the road.

Lp is a very physically demanding job and also more dangerous than most would think.
He got a knife pulled on him just last week and now has a nasty gash and deep bruising and swelling in his hand. (thank god it was only his hand and there is no real damage!) He has also been shot at more than once with a bullet going through his shirt one of those times. It missed his skin completely by fractions of an inch....that scared the crap out of me!!

Being in law enforcement is no less dangerous but at least you have some options to protect yourself in that job, LP have a nothing but their hands and a pair of cuffs.

If he went back this year or next he would be finished at the age of 35 or 36, is that too old to try and join the sheriffs dept?
What other sorts of careers paths would a criminal justice degree open up down the road?

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

He got a knife pulled on him just last week and now has a nasty gash and deep bruising and swelling in his hand. (thank god it was only his hand and there is no real damage!) He has also been shot at more than once with a bullet going through his shirt one of those times. It missed his skin completely by fractions of an inch....that scared the crap out of me!!

First of all...Where do you live that people would do that after getting caught stealing from a store?? A little excessive? I guess some people are a little crazy.
I just finished my Degree in CJA. I know a lot of people that have joined the force later in life. They've served many years in the military and by the time they're 35 they decide to get out and join a PD. Your Husband will have an easier time getting on a force with his previous experience.
As for me I work for the Military Proverst Marhsall's Office and I love my job.
Tell your husband good luck in school!

Its actually a good area, and a nice store. People just do stupid things and seem to be more desperate lately.

He actually got hurt today at work, but I posted a venting thread about that so I won't go into it.

The degree is the only thing stopping him from applying for the positions so I think it will be a very good thing.

Ya know there was a long time in my life I could never have imagined being married to someone in law enforcement, things sure do change!

Jennifer Lee,

I received my Criminal Justice degree in 1977 and then went into the Marine Corps and flew Helicopter. While in the Corps I continued my education and also have a Masters in Forensic Science. When I left active duty I joined a small department in Virginia. I've been doing it for 10 years and now 59. A degree is not required at the local, or state legal. However most federal positions do require a degree. I enjoy what I am doing, I am the oldest member of the Department, even 9 years older than the Chief, they call me Pops, a majority of the people I work with are half my age, but I don't hold that against them. The bottom line, yours husband is young--If that is his dream--Let me go for it. However he will need your support and understanding every step of the way. Good luck,

Semper Fi
Dwain

 Quote: Dwain Marlowe

If that is his dream--Let me go for it. However he will need your support and understanding every step of the way.

Sometimes thats the hardest thing to do when you know they're willingly putting themselves in danger. Good Luck!!

When I used to work in retail, it was the same way. Its seemed like everyday our LP was chasing someone down for a stupid $10 shirt.

I agree with Dwain, though. He doesn't NEED the degree. If fact, he could apply now and once he gets hired he can go to school. I know that SLMDP has a tuition assistance program. Maybe its worth looking into...

the Sheriffs Dept. here require 60 hours of college which is equivalent to a 4 yr degree.

but even if he doesnt do that, the degree can do nothing but good things for his/our future.

I'm not sure how OK compares, but here's some thoughts as one who survived a 30+ yr career with L. A. County. Anyone considering a career change like that should make the move now. For one thing, the time from application to actually starting an academy class can easily take 6-12 months. The slowdown of the economy is going to have a real negative impact on state/local gov't budgets, meaning less hiring and filling positions of retirees and others who leave. That impact will probably hit hard by next fiscal year, July 1. On the flip side, there are a ton of boomer retirements over the next few years. So get the process started before hiring dries up, and get that pension clock running.

One job that may especially lend itself to school is with a sheriff's dep't. New hires will usually work custody for a few years. It may be dull or less challenging than patrol, but a great assignment if you want to go to school. Other than as a hiring requirement, a degree will more valuable later on than at the start anyway.

Want an instant job? Get a sex change and move to L. A.
The Sheriff's Dep't has ramped up female hiring to comply with a federal consent decree. They're struggling, so if you're female and breathing, you're probably in.

Mike

But even if he stays in LP, which he does love, a degree will increase his pay and give him more advancement opportunities.

If he decides he wants to do law enforcement, he is wanting to go with the sheriffs dept rather than the police dept.

The pay is better here from hire to pension and they tend to be a bit older, at least from what he sees working with both sheriff and police on a daily basis.

What other career options are out there with a criminal justice degree?

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

What other career options are out there with a criminal justice degree?

Mainly police or sheriff work. The only other thing I know you can do with it is Corrections and Probation.
I was thinking about becoming a probations officer once I get back stateside but I don't know if I could handle having to keep track of a bunch of felons. Especially being a female.

My advice is, get a degree in something other than Criminal Justice.

CJ degrees are basically a dime-a-dozen nowadays, and most LE departments really don't want to see them. They prefer to see management and business degrees.

Having a degree does help in Law Enforcement though. Many departments pay higher starting salaries to Officers with degrees. Just don't go CJ. It doesn't really help a person out.