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is it best to have a 4 year degree or an associates? for law enforcemt?

I have been searching job posting's and some don't require a 4 year degree. and have talked with some other officers who have told me that just the 2 year degree is plenty. what is the best to really find a good job in law enforcement. i have also been told that even with a 2 year as long as you get your time in at any police department. that they look at you the same as a person with a 4 year because of your experience.

Public Comments

1. Because others are satisfied with their level of education doesn't mean that you should be. Get as much education as possible.
2. in order to be a law enforcement officer, all you need is an incredibly terrible attitude, the want to shoot innocent black people, and an inferiority complex brought on by being pushed and shoved by the cool people in high school. oh, and dont forget to hide behind your badge; thats a big plus in most circles.
3. I just popped over to one of my LEO sites I belong to and here is one of the articles they posted about becoming an Officer: Patrol Officer Job Description Police officers pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law and then issue citations, give warnings or make arrests. Most police officers patrol their jurisdictions and investigate any suspicious activity they notice. Uniformed police officers have general law enforcement duties, including maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. Much of their time is spent responding to calls and doing paperwork. They may direct traffic at the scene of an accident, investigate a burglary, or give first aid to an accident victim. In large police departments, officers usually are assigned to a specific type of duty. Many urban police agencies are involved in community policing—a practice in which an officer builds relationships with the citizens of local neighborhoods and mobilizes the public to help fight crime. Median Annual Salary $35,600 – $59,880 Education Requirements Law enforcement agencies encourage applicants to take courses or training related to law enforcement subjects after high school. Many entry-level applicants for police jobs have completed some formal postsecondary education, and a significant number are college graduates. Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer degree programs in law enforcement or administration of justice. Job Outlook Overall opportunities in local police departments will be excellent for individuals who meet the psychological, personal, and physical qualifications. In addition to openings from population growth, many openings will be created by the need to replace workers who retire and those who leave local agencies for Federal jobs and private sector security jobs. There will be more competition for jobs in state law enforcement agencies than for jobs in local agencies. Less competition for jobs will occur in departments that offer relatively low salaries or those in urban communities where the crime rate is relatively high. Applicants with military experience or college training in police science will have the best opportunities in local and state departments. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or military experience, especially investigative experience, will have the best opportunities in agencies.
4. The major benefit is most departments pay a higher rate for officers who have a 4 year degree, versus a 2 year degree versus a high school diploma. As one answerer said, get as much education as you can. Plus most department require a 4 year degree to achieve certain ranks. Education will never hinder you.
5. All you need is a feeling of entitlement. It is enough to just think that you are better than everyone because you went to an academy. It is enough to think that you are mega tough because you have a badge, backup, and a gun. Who needs school?
6. a lot of places will take you if you have a hs degree but it's best to get your four year university/college degree than an associate degree (2 yr) b/c you get paid more LOL and of course woulnd't it make you feel good and set good example for your family and friends to be well educated? =)
7. Most places you don't even NEED a degree but it is helpful, and just like every other field the better the degree the better the job and the higher the pay
8. Get all you can. Go beyond the requirements. You may want to do something else one day.
9. I know officers who entered the program right out of highschool. However, it would be great if you had at least a 2-year program 'under your belt'. Might be good to decide whether your interest lies in being on the streets, in the courts as a constable ( I know a 50-year old officer who loves being a constable & has no desire for corporal deskwork:). Or are you self-driven and wanting that Staff Sargeant's ranking? Really, if you have the time and money, go for all the education you can get; what is another couple years of knowledge that can be applied when you're on the front line and remember what a paper you wrote was about:). If you're officer 'material' right now you will still be in a couple of years...