Does going through the police academy boost your resume?
I'm currently finishing my Criminal Justice Degree and working at Target in Assets Protection. Today my neighbor (who is a police officer) offered to sponsor me if i decided to attend the police academy. I've thought long and hard about it and I don't think I want t be a police officer. Although I would really enjoy the job I'm afraid of the impact it would have on my future family. However, I have been researching private/corporate security jobs and have heard that they can be a little more family friendly. The pay is usually better too. Also my boss at target has asked if I would be interested in moving up in the company someday. My question is, would going through the academy increase my chances for getting hired or for a promotion. I would hate to turn down an offer like that, but i really don't want him to waste the money if its not gonna do anything.
2010-12-27T22:25:16Z
That's a good point afterglow. I'm sure that I can get proper training through whichever company I work for. The way he said it though, it sounded like he really wanted go through the academy, but you are absolutely right. Thanks
drdr2010-12-28T19:13:01Z
Favorite Answer
graduation from an academy should provide state certification as a peace officer, which would qualify one for immediate employment in smaller agencies and possibly an abbreviated academy for larger agencies in that state; and would probably enhance a resume for private security
executive private security positions may pay better than some peace officer positions, but I doubt that private security overall pays better (particularly retirement options); private security would probably eliminate the potential for shift work overnight and weekends (possibly not)
bottom line, if you don't want to be a police officer, you should not be one
Going through the police academy will boost your resume, but its not necessary if you don't intend to become a police officer. If you intend to stay in private security or event with Target, which I know has a very good and advanced Asset Protection unit, then just keeo doing what your doing and get your degree. You will get all the training that you need with your company and its specifically tailored for you. Although the academy would look good, I think your work ethics and your evaluations from your current position will matter more when it comes to promotions. Most people that have gone through the academy and work in loss prevention are usually those that are retired cops and hold management level postions in the company.
Going to the academy might help your resume but you need to realize that you'll be denying someone else the opportunity to actually become a cop. Why go to the academy if you have no intention of becoming an officer? Not only that, but it will make your neighbor look bad. Don't do it.
Pros-you save people's life's, make good money (with the # of years u been there and your rank), You meet a lot of people, you have a close bond with the other officers (in my town all the officers family get together once a month), People come up to you a thank you, you get a lot of overtime (more money), it's the best job in the world, you go through great training Cons- Some people automatically hate you when they don't even know you, your away from your family a lot, divorce rate is high, suicide rate is high,
the academy will only train you for police work, i would not go. your degree will be perfect for other job areas such as detention work, juvenile work, and many others.