Research fields and agencies of interest before committing to any major. Minimum requirements, hiring information, base pay, etc. are easily found on websites. If you’re applying within Jefferson County, go to Jefferson County Personnel Board site for testing information.
Standard basic requirements for most LOCAL/STATE law enforcement and corrections agencies include but are not limited to the following:
- US Citizen
- Minimum age of 21
- High School Diploma or GED, some require college (most federal agencies do), Some pay an additional 5% for a 2 year degree and 10% for a four year degree. AS/BS degrees also help in promotion and retirement.
- No criminal record
- Good driving record
- Acceptable credit score (why you may ask…if you can’t manage your own money, you are more susceptible to bribes, kickbacks, etc.)
- Ability to pass physical and psychological testing. If you can’t pass fitness test and/or you have mental health issues, you should not carry a badge and a firearm.
Be smart in following your degree plan. Do not wait until last few semesters to take CRJ courses because we are a small department and some courses are only offered annually, rotated between campuses. Get required courses out of the way early!
