One can obtain a job in law enforcement, depending on what kind of time commitment, salary and area of interest he/she has, with everything from a high school diploma to a PhD.
For example, it is possible to become an entry-level police officer on the local level if you are 20-years-old and have a GED. You will still have to pass medical, physical and written exams. If you want to be a state or federal police officer or detective, however, a minimum of a bachelors degree in criminal justice is required.
On the other hand, if you are interested in being an FBI agent, you will not only require a minimum of a bachelors degree (masters degree in criminal justice preferred), but a minimum of three years of related work experience. It's also good to remember that the FBI doesn't appoint investigators over the age of 36.
There are numerous other specialty areas within law enforcement field such as security management, private investigation and law enforcement agents. In order to decide what area of law enforcement is right for you, take an honest inventory of your mental, emotional and physical needs, strengths and limitations. Each area of focus will require a certain amount of physical and emotional pliability in order to feel successful.
