Hi,
I'm based in the U.S, and if you're not familiar with elections of Sheriff departments basically, there was an election going on in my county for Sheriff. Since I'm a very large supporter in law enforcement, and hope to follow a career path in corrections, and law enforcement down the road, I decided to send a letter to the Sheriff. In the letter, I thanked him for his service, and explained why myself and the community appreciates his hard work, and how his office inspires me to better myself and become a great officer. Long story short, he replied and we got to meet in person, he was very grateful for my letter and we spoke for a good 20 minutes about law enforcement. He than requested when I turn 18, to apply for a position in corrections at the county jail (Basically offering the position), as he was very impressed with how I conducted myself at my current age (17).
With me turning of age in the next 4 months, I'm looking for some advise from some fellow officers, or people regarding getting a Criminal Justice degree still. I originally planned to get my CJ degree to secure a job in corrections, but now that I've been offered, and the Sheriff knows me by heart, I'm not sure If I should follow down that path. I don't live in a large community, so It's not required to have a degree to be a LEO, but even though not needed, I feel like I should still get my degree, to insure It's easier to pass exams and tests in the police academy once I choose to switch from CO to LEO.
EDIT: The only problem that I currently see about doing both, is that, working and schooling would be hard, especially since CO's work around 12 hour shifts. Do you think It would be possible, or worth it to get the degree, even with working, or should I just wait until I climb up the ladder to be shifted from a CO to the patrol division?
tr;lr - Offered a job in corrections, should I still get my degree in criminal justice, even though It isn't needed.