help me out someone

[jason]

and when NYPD requires 60 credits to work there, I believe they are trying to say an Associate Degree in the Criminal Justice field, or another related field, or maybe even on the way to get a degree, not just 60 random credits from who knows where.

Actually, this is becoming a common requirement for many PDs. A degree is always preferred, but they will also often accept 60 accredited semester hours. Some departments don't necessarily require it, but offer additional pay if one has completed a given number of hours.