My inspiration for this commitment vow was through a speech from a state senator and high school principal, Mike Johnston, in Colorado. Be your own inspiration and motivator, but always make sure you have a couple of “ladder holders” by your side.

Reverse logistics has to do with returns, recycling, and project management; but the answer doesn’t just stop there. In this podcast Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth, Program Director for Reverse Logistics at American Public University, explains the transformation that products undergo through reverse logistics, and dives into the importance of education for professionals in this field.

By Tim Hardiman

Whether you’re a criminal justice student trying to decide what career path to take or a police officer considering a career transition, be sure to investigate the lesser-known agencies that play a critical role in protecting our nation and its citizens. Here’s a few to consider.

For 26 years, Terri Wilkin held a post as trooper for the Maryland State Police, and seven years ago she completed her Juris Doctorate, which led her to a career as a department prosecutor. We recently sat down with Wilkin to discuss her extensive educational background and unique career transitions.

By Terri Wilkin, JD
As a state trooper, I had preset beliefs about the criminal justice system and the individuals that I dealt with daily. I was very conservative and looked at issues as black and white with no middle ground. I did not have much sympathy for the individuals I brought to justice. Attending law school was an eye-opener for me. Law school makes students look at both sides of a situation. Students must delve deep into the circumstances and reasoning behind the law, the criminal justice system, politics and society. Read more about how this intensive process challenged (and changed) my views that seemed at one time to be set in stone.

By Leischen Stelter

As many of you probably know, FEMA has designated September as National Preparedness Month. It’s the time when the government asks citizens to prepare themselves for an emergency. I often run scenarios through my head about what I would do if I had to evacuate right now. What would I take with me? I’ve run the list through my mind, but one night last week it occurred to me that I would likely not have time (or a clear mind) to actually put together what I would need if I had to evacuate. So, I did it, I put together an emergency bag. Read more about what it took to get me to actually do it.

By Michael Sale

In the August/September 2012 edition of Blue Line Magazine, psychology columnist, Dr. Dorothy Cotton, asks an old question: “Is it useful for a police officer to have some higher education?” By higher education, she means something beyond the traditional high-school diploma.

It was not so long ago that many police officers with a post-secondary education would not let it be known that they possessed a university degree for fear of incurring a negative reaction from peers and supervisors.

By Michael Sale

Recently, while attending the annual conference of the FBI National Academy Associates, I sat through my fifth presentation by Gordon Graham, law enforcement’s leading expert on risk management. I realize, now, that risk management should be a way of life and not something we simply apply to our professional responsibilities.

By Dennis Porter

Many officers are pursuing college degrees to advance their careers. An officer with a degree is more likely to stay with his or her agency longer and less likely to receive discipline. They are often better suited to take on higher-level positions. Many supervisors encourage officers to earn degrees in nontraditional subjects that will help them develop skills and knowledge that will shape them into well-rounded people. Read more about some of the most common nontraditional degree programs for LEOs.