• Homeland Security Careers
• Homeland Security Degrees
• Homeland Security Act
• FBI Special Agent Interview
• Interview 2: JTTF Investigator

Joint Terrorism Task Force Interview with J.L., a Police Officer attached to the FBI's Minnesota Joint Terrorism Task Force

How did you find your way into law enforcement and the Joint Terrorism Task Force?

I went to college to study biology/pre-med in hopes that I would become a doctor. While in my first semester I met a friend that was in the criminal justice program with a focus on homeland security. I learned about the criminal justice field from her and possible career opportunities, like the the FBI. The field sounded so interesting and exciting, I decided to switch my major in the second semester and ended up earning my bachelor degree in criminal justice.

After graduation I joined the DEA. They liked that I spoke a second language [spanish] and had studied criminal justice in college. I did a period in Central America undercover and decided that was a bit too sketchy for a career. I'm not saying that it's the wrong path, it might be great for some people. When I returned I left the DEA and joined the Minneapolis Police Department working the patrol and worked my way up to an office job with more responsibilities. There was an opening on the joint task force team and I jumped at the opportunity.

What does the Minneapolis Division Joint Terrorism Task Force do?

The Minneapolis Division Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), is charged with detecting and neutralizing any terrorist activity in Minnesota and the tri-state area. We also investigate any terrorist attacks by groups falling within the definition of terrorist groups set forth in the current United States Attorney General Guidelines. We are also prepared to react to any terrorist incident or bombing incident.

Basically, the Joint Terrorism Task Force is a multi-agency approach designed to protect the National Security interests of the United States.

What would be your recommendation for anyone interested in joining the Joint Terrorism Task Force?

I would have to say that studying homeland security or criminal justice at the college level is an important step. This will give you a good idea as to what agency you would like to begin your career with and what they do. A degree program will also give you the necessary knowledge of the criminal justice system and current theories in homeland security, counterterrorism and criminal justice. I have heard that interning at local, state or federal law enforcement agencies will give you exposure to the individuals you will be working with as well as give you an idea as to whether or not you would like to pursue a career with that particular agency. I never interned and wish I had. Once you join a law enforcement agency you can speak with your superiors as to what career path you will need to follow to end up in a division of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Read a brief history of the JTTF.

Thank you for your time today.

Thank you.

Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism Related Degrees

= Staff Recommended

In a Hurry? Click Here to request free information from all of our Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in CIS - Information Systems Security
MSIS - Enterprise Information Systems Security
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
M.S. in Psychology - Crisis Management and Response
PhD in Public Policy - Homeland Security

Request free information from Walden University to learn more about their programs.

Capella University:

BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Security Management
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management, Criminal Justice
PhD in Public Safety - Emergency Management, Criminal Justice

Everest University Online :

Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
Paralegal Associate's

Herzing College: (Online Programs)

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University: (Online Programs)

BSCJ - Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections
AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Criminal Justice Global Issues

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.

Keiser University Online :

Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Keiser University.

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Justice
AACJ - Corrections
AACJ - Crime Scene Evidence
AACJ - Law Enforcement
Associate's in Accounting - Financial Investigation
Associate's - Paralegal
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Certificate - Police Officer Education

Texas A&M - The Bush School of Government and Public Service:

Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security