Many private and public universities in Illinois offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement.  Triton was one of the least expensive community colleges that were more affordably priced at $3,483 including tuition and fees per year. You can attend Triton College for two years, and then file transfer papers to Western Illinois University with a total cost of $20,753 per year.

Officer Marisol Martinez, she is 27 years old and works for the Chicago Police Department. She’s been working for this position for two years, enjoys her job and expects to move up further in the chain.

q: Tell me about your job. Is what you do any different from what others do?

A: Yes, we are designed a certain are or department, what I am in charge of is to patrol the southeast of the city.

Q: Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this field?

A: Back when I was much younger I started to like the law, so once I was 18 I went on my way and started to get certified, became security at home depot worked there for a few years. Finally, I had a chance to be working for the Chicago Police department and I took it.

Q: What characteristics are required for someone to be successful in your job?

A: Having patience is actually one of the big ones, but also having a good attitude and giving respect towards others.

Q: How much Job security is there for people in your field?

A: Being a Police Officer is actually a risky job. We are out in the streets not knowing who or with what we will have to deal with.

Q: What other jobs can you apply the skills you learned at your job?

A: You can highly use these skills if you are a paramedic or a firefighter both of these jobs are much similar to mine.

Q: What do you think the future holds for people in your occupation?

A: There are always job opportunities for Law Enforcement, This job helps you grown as a person.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in your job?

A: I personally have a hard time when we get calls that involve children, gets me very emotional but its part of the job.

Q: Are there many opportunities in your field? What should people do to get started?

A: There is always opportunities for everyone, people can follow the requirements and go to college and get the basic training that is needed.

Q: How are your shifts? Do you work every day of the week?

A: Our shifts can vary, usually we work for five days a week followed by two days that we get off. It all can depend on your schedule and on how they sort things out.

Q: How was your experience while getting prepared during the academy?

A: It was a very challenging obstacle honestly, but you get to learn about new people during it. Although we wouldn’t have much time for ourselves. One of the things that made me fear was once when we got to the Taser part just so we can know how it will feel.

Q: Would you recommend this job to someone who looks up to it?

A: Yes, although this job has its advantages and disadvantages it still is a great job. If a person likes to help others and help their community out, then this job can really be for them.