Faith: A Crucial Component for Law Enforcement Colleges

Captain Joel Beam’s double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Grace College have served him well over twenty-three years as a law enforcement officer. 

In fact, it was in the course, American Society taught by Police Chief Craig Allebach, that Beam discovered his life calling to be a police officer. 

But it was more than the highly engaging professors and the ride-alongs experiences that made Beam’s experience so great. To this day, Beam associates Grace as one of the best colleges for law enforcement because it equipped him to view his occupation as an extension of his faith.

Challenges on the Job

Police officers see, hear, and do things that most people need not worry about. The risks are ever-present, but law enforcement colleges prepare officers to face these issues head-on. 

As a first responder to many difficult situations and a member of the Critical Incident Team, Beam is responsible for assisting the people of the Warsaw community.

 He also plays a vital role in providing mental and emotional support to other officers on his team. As one might imagine, mental health concerns are prevalent among law enforcement officers. Many policemen and women struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, which often leads to depression. Not to mention, the divorce rate for those in law enforcement is 75-80%. 

Therefore, the need for officers to have someone to talk to and share the burden with is great.

Beam has stepped into this role, tapping into his background in psychology which gave him the essential tools to understand the human psyche, empathize with others and assist his department as needed. 

Integrating Faith in Law Enforcement Colleges

At Grace, our fusion of law enforcement and faith make us stand out among other law enforcement colleges. As you learn more about the justice system at Grace, you will see more and more how law enforcement work sets the stage for you to display the love and grace of Christ. Every day police officers are presented with countless opportunities to share comfort and peace that passes understanding with individuals who need hope — whether it be the victim of a horrific event or their co-officer who serves next to them day in and day out. 

Beam says the need for hope in law enforcement is prevalent, but because of the grace of God, there is a real and accessible solution. “Jesus Christ is the only answer to the problems and the evil we face on a daily basis,” he says. 

We could not agree more, Captain Beam. 

This is the way of Grace.

If you’re interested in policing at the local and federal level and are looking for the best colleges for law enforcement, consider pairing Grace College’s criminal justice major with the law enforcement concentration. 

Your education will provide you the skills necessary for criminal justice and place those skills within a greater framework of faith.