Dr. Phillip Neely
Associate Professor
Saint Leo University
Why Minorities Should Consider a Career in Law Enforcement

Living Education eFocus News spoke with Dr. Phillip Neely, an Associate Professor with St. Leo University on the issue of law enforcement careers and why minorities should consider pursuing employment opportunities in the various fields of law enforcement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.com the average entry level salary for careers in law enforcement are:
Dr. Phillip R. Neely, Jr., is a 22-year career law enforcement officer having served in progressively responsible leadership and field positions in local law enforcement agencies. His 22-year tenure as a Law Enforcement professional has afforded him an opportunity to lead, train, and direct all functions of local government. He has experience controlling and managing a budget of more than 27 million dollars.
Additionally, Dr. Neely has been in management for the past 11 years and currently working in education over the last 8 years, instructing classes, advising, and mentoring adult learners. The last two years of his law enforcement career entailed numerous roles in administration, managing, and supervising employees.
During his tenure in higher education as an Adjunct Professor, his responsibilities have also included numerous duties in administration. For example, he worked alongside the Assistant Director of the Atlanta Center of Saint Leo University, where he gained extensive administrative experience in education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.com the average entry level salary for careers in law enforcement are:
- Police Officer: $47,643
- Forensic Science Technician: $55,660
- Attorney: $63,000 (law grad) or $104,000-$130,000 (median salary at law firms)
- U.S. Marshals: $38,511 to $48,708
- Secret Service Agent: $43,200 - $73,354
Dr. Phillip R. Neely, Jr., is a 22-year career law enforcement officer having served in progressively responsible leadership and field positions in local law enforcement agencies. His 22-year tenure as a Law Enforcement professional has afforded him an opportunity to lead, train, and direct all functions of local government. He has experience controlling and managing a budget of more than 27 million dollars.
Additionally, Dr. Neely has been in management for the past 11 years and currently working in education over the last 8 years, instructing classes, advising, and mentoring adult learners. The last two years of his law enforcement career entailed numerous roles in administration, managing, and supervising employees.
During his tenure in higher education as an Adjunct Professor, his responsibilities have also included numerous duties in administration. For example, he worked alongside the Assistant Director of the Atlanta Center of Saint Leo University, where he gained extensive administrative experience in education.