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Straight Talk about Law Enforcement Careers
by Jami Rodgers
Career School Directory Columnist
March 03, 2008
After gaining invaluable experience working for his university's auxiliary police force during college, Ryan Rodgers graduated at the top of his police academy class and landed a job as a police officer. Quickly climbing through the ranks, he's now a detective and talks about his education, his career, and why criminal justice work is important to him.
CSD: What inspired you to choose a career in criminal justice?
While in school, I was a member of the university's police auxiliary services, working side-by-side with fully deputized officers. This gave me insight into just how much of a positive impact being an officer can have on people. I quickly discovered the fast-paced unpredictability that criminal justice work involves, and that was appealing to me.
CSD: How did your academic work prepare you for your career?
While many classes did not provide me with know-how I'd need for my daily responsibilities, I gained the most from psychology and sociology classes. Both gave me insight into understanding people and their behaviors. My work at the police academy taught me about jurisdictional-specific laws.
CSD: What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
No two days are alike in this career. One day I could be interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects, or assist in processing a crime scene. The next I could be conducting community drug and alcohol or sexual assault awareness programs. Many days I work undercover narcotics investigations surveillance and purchasing, as well as computer-related crimes. Information technology plays an important role in the ever-changing world of criminal justice. Forensic analysis of computers and other devices can yield important clues in solving a crime and play an increasingly critical role in the work I do.
CSD: Do you have any advice for those interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice?
This career will change who you are. It can be very demanding and the work is never complete. You need to be very outgoing and be able to take control of critical situations. Being on call must not be a burden. There are weeks where I work 40-100 hours! Also, be prepared to work your way up. Not everyone can start out doing high-profile investigative work, and the ins and outs of the job are learned at junior levels.
Sources
Learn more about Criminal Justice Degrees and Programs.
About the Author
Jami J. Rodgers is a civil servant in the executive branch of the federal government in Washington, D.C.
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