The Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree for Law Enforcement Professionals
Ask any law enforcement officer why they do the job they do and you're likely to get an array of answers as varied as the individuals. If you are considering a career upholding laws and minimizing crime, then you probably understand the appeal.
Other than the rigorous physical and psychological training that will take place, law enforcement officers can often find benefit in obtaining a degree in criminal justice.
Here are some of the advantages you might find as a law enforcement officer, if you have a criminal justice degree.
Calm, Cool, and Collected in a Crisis
Being in law enforcement, you will undoubtedly find yourself in crisis situations. It should not surprise you to hear that aggression is not the go-to for a crisis. These instances will require a calm and intelligent reaction, and the ability to assess and react appropriately. Many times you may encounter someone who simply needs to be spoken to calmly, not handcuffed or berated.
Over the course of your studies, you will learn the best ways to manage your emotions and reactions so that when you do face potentially dangerous moments, your instinct will be to stay focused and make decisions that will keep yourself, your partner, bystanders, and the perpetrator safe and legally protected.
It's Critical to Think Critically
Having the ability to assess a crime scene with a detached, analytical thought process enables law enforcement officers to perform their job. Often, it's the small details of a scene that direct the course of an investigation. This means that it is highly necessary for you to use your time in the criminal justice classroom sharpening your critical thinking skills.
Part of those skills include the gift of keen observation. Looking at the facts and details and catching the less obvious points could be the difference between a case that is solved and one that is closed.
Knowing the System (and its Laws)
Of course, once you gather the facts and details, it's important you know the ins and outs of the legal system. Taking courses in criminal justice will give you a clear understanding of the laws that govern our country and what your responsibility is in upholding them.
One wrong interpretation of the regulations, or one slip-up in remembering applicable laws can determine whether a criminal receives the consequences they deserve, or the crime will go unpunished.
Understanding What Makes People Tick
Perhaps the cornerstone of a successful career in law enforcement, understanding how the human mind works will become second nature to you as you receive your education and training in the field. The ability to read body language, understand the criminal mind, and interact positively and professionally with members of the community are all some of the education you can expect to receive during a criminal justice degree program.
One vitally important thing to consider before heading into a field of law enforcement: You.
Do you know yourself? It's good to know how others think, but can you understand what makes you tick? Are you a person who naturally interacts with other people, and if not, do you feel you can put in the effort to change for the love of the field? Knowing yourself deeply isn't just a corny piece of advice from pop-psychology. It really does make the possibility of succeeding in this high-stress field more possible.
From Low-Tech to High-Tech Crimes
Achieving a degree in criminal justice can also broaden your horizons beyond the kind of crimes that have been happening for centuries (physical injuries, personal theft, etc.) straight into the 21st century. Learning how to stay two steps ahead of cyber criminals could allow you to specialize in cybercrime, perhaps directing you to work in a cybercrimes division or maybe even with the FBI.
Investigate Your Future
Do you think you’re cut out to be a law enforcement officer? As you begin looking ahead into your future and you find yourself interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, contact ECPI University today for more information. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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