I just graduated in June of 09 from high school, with honors, at the age of 17.

I am now 18, with three speeding tickets, but have never even touched any drugs, or alcohol.

My plan as of now, is to get my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, and work on getting some sort of job doing security somewhere. During that time, I will work on m Bachelors in Psychology, minoring in Criminal Justice, or possibly Computer Science.

Knowing that, I have a few questions.

1. After reading many posts here, it seems people with even worse driving/criminal records than me have a chance of getting a job, so mine should be good. Right?

2. Is the Police Academy really that big of a deal anymore? Haven't most departments turned more toward you actually riding along with a Sheriff for a week or two, in place of the academy?

3. Would something other than Psychology be better for a major? Psychology has always interested me, and seems like it would go hand in hand with being a police officer. Which has really been my dream all my life.

4. In order to get a position on SWAT, or as a K9 Unit, and other things similar, you have to have a few years experience in the field. Right? It's not like taking a whole different career path?

Thanks for all the help.

1. Right.
2. The police academy is very important. So is a good field training program.
3. Psychology is a good major to choose.
4. Right.

Good luck! Drive safe!

Sounds good so far