PrairieThunder said:
To summarize: Only take Criminology if it is something you're interested in, don't do it just because you want to become a Cop or MP/MPO. A degree in Economics, Accounting or Forensics... hell actually anything... as stated by Alex.Landry will do you just fine.
My apologises I did not want to over-share, hence one of the reasons why I haven't mentioned which foreign country or anything more specific. To give you a greater insight, I'm doing Criminology, Criminal Justice and Psychology. I have picked more specific policing orientated units, rather than redundant superficial units. I can frankly say that I'm not studying for the sake of gaining employment, I have a significant interest in these fields and am actually planning to go up to PhD level. Prior to switching my majors, I was studying Politics which was horrible... my grades were slipping, I was unmotivated and then when I switched.... a whole new me.
I cannot see myself enjoying the disciplines offered at RMC other than perhaps military psychology, but from what I have been advised in-general it vastly differs from the psychology I am undertaking right now.
Like I have mentioned I am doing quite excellent in university. Unfortunately, I did not complete high school, as in I dropped out, so I'm not entirely sure if this will hinder me but I suspect it shouldn't upon graduation with a postsecondary degree.
Brihard said:
I remember when I thought my criminology degree would be relevant for a policing career... The police force I'm now very close to being hired into basically shrugged and said 'that's nice'. The police are looking for an education, not a specific one. My crim degree has taught me very, very little about policing. I've even sat in a class where Vern White, erstwhile chief of Ottawa Police Service, bluntly told us that educations very focused on policing confer no advantage, and may even hinder us a bit as they're a bit more particular than police are looking for. Not that it's on the order of uselessness of Police Foundations or something, but it doesn't bring to the table what you think it does.
If you get into MPO and subsequently apply for a civilian police force, your previous law enforcement service will be a big factor and the particulars of your education a very small one. And if you want to get into MPO as ROTP, the needs of the service will come first. That means you may be sucking it up and going to RMC.
Alternatively, if you're wedded to criminology, go to a Canadian university that offers crim (E.g., Carleton, U Ottawa, Simon Fraser), and enter later as a direct entry officer. If you really have a thirst to do the military in the interim, try to get a spot in a reserve regiment for your last three years of school.
It is unlikely that I will transfer to a frontline policing role in a municipal police force. While I am keeping my options open, I would most likely lateral transfer to one of the federal agencies overseas, as a federal agent, and they prefer relevant related degrees. "Military Leadership" is not a relevant degree to them and I have already approached said agencies to enquire. Yes, they count your postsecondary education on top of your previous law enforcement experience. I'm not entirely sure how the Criminology stream works over in Canada, as I have not attended a Canadian university yet, but the stream here is extremely relevant and is geared towards those who are entering the police force. In fact most of our lecturers taught at the police academy and such forth.
Dimsum said:
So let me get this straight: You're in uni for Crim, want the CF to pay for your schooling to be an MPO, all to serve with the full intention to leave to become a civilian cop?
I'm not saying that everyone has to serve 25 years, but joining the CF with the specific intention of leaving right away isn't exactly a recommended course of action. Take it as you will.
Correct. To be perfectly upfront, your opinion on my plans for the future does not concern me nor will I factor it into my decision. This may come off as arrogant but I have spoken to other NCMs and officers who tell me there is no reason one shouldn't join just because they have the intention of only serving the minimum. The military is a valued addition to a curriculum vitae and also, arguably, builds better citizens in the forms of discipline and a deontological approach to life.
Besides, no offense, but the military is funded, by you know tax payers, ironically and last time I checked I pay taxes and contribute to the economy in both countries so why should I feel bad about wanting the Canadian Forces to pay for my education in return for service to boost their ranks? They need to get officers somehow. The arrogant attitude about how the military shouldn't fund people who are just going to leave after minimum service is more than pathetic.... seeing as the military serves at the privilege of the tax payers, where if you aren't funded by tax payers you are now out of a job because there's no defense budget to pay your salary or anything else for that matter. Not to mention, the military offers the program to boost their ranks and if they had a problem with people leaving after the minimum service requirements they would remove the program if they saw it as non-beneficial and because the program still exists it presents the notion that it is benefit to the Canadian Forces.
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