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How do I Choose the Best Law Enforcement Courses?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are three items to consider when looking for the best law enforcement courses: accreditation, faculty, and job placement opportunities. Law enforcement courses are available from universities, community, and career colleges. Specific training in law enforcement is required for a career as a police officer and is recommended for careers in law and correctional institutions.

People who report the highest level of satisfaction with law enforcement courses enjoy working with people, are naturally outgoing, and are physically fit. Most law enforcement education and training programs have a physical fitness component to them. Candidates applying for positions as police or security officers are required to complete certain physical tests that measure cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and speed.

Armed security guards must complete a classroom course and have extensive firearms training.
Armed security guards must complete a classroom course and have extensive firearms training.

When looking for law enforcement courses, the first item to check is the accreditation status. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party, and the academic and administrative policies are reviewed. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions and are accepted by government agencies. In addition, accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.

Review the qualifications of the faculty or course instructors. Most schools publish biographies of their faculty, listing their academic credentials, experience, publications, and areas of expertise. Take the time to review this information to obtain valuable background on their areas of expertise, expectations, and focus.

Job placement opportunities are critical when taking law enforcement courses. These opportunities are usually available in the second or third year. Competition for the top placements is quite fierce, and the decision is made based on a combination of academic marks and classroom participation. These programs provide access to people who are working in law enforcement and may lead to employment opportunities upon graduation.

Law enforcement courses are required for anyone who wants to work as a police officer, security guard, or correction facility officer. These courses are also included in the training programs for social workers, emergency room nurses, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency response staff. The training provided in these types of programs covers common law, standard procedures, and an overview of how the legal system works.

To prepare for law enforcement courses, many people learn speed reading. Law-related courses often have heavy reading requirements. By learning speed reading techniques, students can achieve more in less time without sacrificing quality. Another popular course is touch typing, which helps students to type at a minimum 60 words per minute.

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    • Armed security guards must complete a classroom course and have extensive firearms training.
      By: Lsantilli
      Armed security guards must complete a classroom course and have extensive firearms training.