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Careers: Police/police background

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Expert: - 10/7/2008


Question
I messed up when I was younger but now i am looking into the police dept pretty much who ever will take me in Maryland,  I have some charges on my background that im getting taken care of un authorized use of motor vehicle and a cds not THC charge both of which will be expunged before application.  I have been working with a detective in the Maryland area and have assisted him in getting over 8 hand guns several pounds of pot and the next case im helping with involves distribution of E cocaine and crack.  he is helping me with the background issues I face.  I have changed allot in 8 years now married with a child.  if i go into a dept and im straight forward with them what do you think the chances are.  And do you happen to know what depts are more forgiving,  when i apply i will have all charges expunged but im sure i need to still come forward with them

Answer
David:

 You'll need to get the charges expunged before you even consider applying to any Maryland agency, and even if you do, you are going to face a difficult time getting hired with that in your background.  It's possible but will be a long slog uphill to do so.  

 As you'll also be competing against folks that have veterans preference, (and I'm assuming you don't) it's going to be difficult.

 All departments in Maryland follow the MPTC (Maryland Police Training Commission) guidelines, but the larger agencies such as Baltimore City PD and Prince Georges County PD seem to be more forgiving.

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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