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Matt M. works as a police officer for the Chicago Police Department. He works the West Side and has been a police officer there for six years.
Law Enforcement Career Path
Matt always knew that law enforcement was the path for him. After he earned his criminal justice degree, he tried to get into any kind of law enforcement.
“I started taking as many civil service tests as I could to try and find a job,” he says. “Some of the places I applied were DEA, NYPD, and a bunch of others. I was finally offered a job at the Chicago Police Department, and I’ve been working there ever since.”
Experiences of a Law Enforcer
Matt has spent the last six years as a police officer for the Chicago Police Department, and he has seen a lot starting from day 1.
“Every police officer has to go through the police academy before going out into the real world,” he explains. “The police academy provides a good foundation for your career, but it all depends on where you work; you learn to police based on the environment that you patrol.”
Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Portland and his Master’s degree from Lewis University.
Criminal Justice Degree Programs
“To become a police officer, you need either military experience or a 2-year degree,” says Matt. “For higher positions, such as sergeant and lieutenant, you would need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The best way to move up the ladder is with more education.”
“And if you’re a part of the CPD, they will actually pay for more education, including law school,” he adds.
Law Enforcement Job Description
Matt is: “A patrolman pushing a beat car down the West Side.”
In other words, he works the West Side of Chicago as a police officer for the Chicago Police Department.
Law Enforcement Daily Routine
“Usually,” Matt starts, “you pick up your radio and set of keys for a cruiser, you go to roll call and find out who you’ll be working with that day, get in the squad car, and then answer the calls that come in on the radio. The calls can be anything from someone getting shot to much minor things.
Law Enforcement: Steps to Success
There are many different fields of law enforcement, each utilizing different talents and experience.
“If you want to go into the narcotics division,” Matt explains, “you need to be aggressive but patient because you’ll be spending a lot of time on a given case. If you want to go into research and development, you have to be good with computers. If you want to be a SWAT team member, you have to be a good shooter. Those with good writing skills can write the police bulletins and go into legal affairs. A lot of different talents can open up different avenues.”
Law Enforcement Job Opportunities
Becoming a police officer is difficult right now because of the economy. Police departments have been forced to cut back on the number of officers.
“We need more, but they just can’t hire them,” Matt says.
However, because of a recent rise in crime rate, the market for law enforcement is expected to pick up drastically.
Favorite Part About a Law Enforcement Career
“Being able to help people,” Matt says. “The reason why most people join the force is just to get a chance to help a real victim. That doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s a beautiful thing.”
A Police Officer’s Future Ambitions
Matt hopes to work in fugitive apprehension, such as being a deputized U.S. Marshall and go all over the country looking for fugitives.
Advice for Prospective Law Enforcement Officials
“Definitely get a 4-year degree,” Matt advises. “It doesn’t have to be in criminal justice, though; just about any kind of filed will help you in a law enforcement career. You can use any education to fall back on, and degrees give you the opportunity to get promoted.”
“Also, take as many civil services tests as you can to keep your options open,” Matt adds.
