Criminal Justice Question

Greetings,
I have a question for fellow law enforcement officers in the community. I retired on disability because of injuries suffered in the line of duty in 2007. Since then, I spent some time as a special education teacher and realized that line of work is not for me. During my law enforcement career I served as a patrol officer field training officer, crime scene technician and major crimes detective. I have been accepted by Florida State University's distance M.S. in criminal justice program. My goal is to teach CJ online or on campus. Will being out of the field for two years hurt my chances for employment as an adjunct? Is the ROI for a CJ masters degree worth the effort? Also, I am thinking about working on a clinical masters in social work, would that have a better ROI? Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

Only you could really answer the ROI questions. Making a career of teaching online can be tough, but if you live in a pretty college rich area you might find an on campus gig and also be able to teach online in addition to. You didn't indicate how long you were working in law enforcement, if we're talking 20 years or so then an MS in CJ plus that wealth of experience will be pretty attractive to potential employers. Some other areas I suggest you investigate would be teaching at local academies, looking into demand for trainers on DUI stops, ASP baton, OC spray, etc. All of those little CEUs and stuff required to maintain licensure, get certified, etc. Be aware though that getting into teaching college as a career can be difficult, but can be done. Are you prepared to relocate if necessary?

As for Social Work, I cannot imagine a lower paying job demanding a higher known to man, at least in Texas. Social Workers here seem to get paid peanuts yet many hold MS degrees that took years and tens of thousands of dollars to earn, to me anyway it just doesn't seem worth it.

Other things you can do with an MS in CJ (or Social Work) would be probation officer, parole officer, various court administrative positions such as clerk, in Texas you can also be a substance abuse counselor, etc.

Also if you like working in government positions you could try an MPA and see about working for the city in various functions. Just some thoughts.

 

Thanks for your insight friend or foe. I retired with 20 years of service. I live in the Northern Virginia area. Do you think it will hurt my chances for employment when I apply for adjunct jobs since I am retired?

 

No, in fact it may help your chances. I had several retired cop adjuncts while earning my BS at Southwestern College. Most were pretty high ranking but one or two were specialists, such as working narcotics for 15 years or the like. Did you specialize in any areas?

 

I worked in various areas with the bulk of my time spent on the street as an FTO/Instructor (8 years) and as a detective investigating burglaries, white collar crime, auto thefts etc... I really enjoyed those two areas: training and investigations the most.

 

Well the good news is that your instructor experience will help you. Do you live in an area with a lot of colleges?

 

I live just outside of Washington D.C. in the Virginia suburbs. There are several colleges, universities and trade/vocational schools in the area that offer criminal justice. Upon completion of my masters in 2 years, I am hoping to land something on-campus or on-line. I really appreciate your feedback. I was worried that being retired from the field would hurt me, but I guess experience combined with the masters will help me. Thanks again!

 

In the meantime I'd make some contacts, maybe some former co-workers who teach or friends you may have, etc.

(Disclaimer: I do not nor have I ever worked in higher ed, merely a consumer and ex-cop opinion).