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Careers: Police/What is it really like to be an officer?

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Expert: - 12/18/2008


Question
Mr. Payne, I am really interested in criminal law and criminal psychology.  
When I was a kid I used to read criminal law books for fun!  No one  in my
family thinks it is a good career choice for me because I am a softspoken,
petite female with 2 children.  I need to know would it be more dangerous for
someone like me?  I feel like being properly trained and educated  will prepare
me for the job, and my size and way of speaking shouldnt affect that.  Being
that you have been in law enforcement for a number of years,  I thought you
could tell me if criminals would take advantage of that and if so, how?

Answer
Janine,

99.9 percent of the time size or the sex of the officer have no bearing on how you are treated by other officers or criminals.

I have seen big and small officers get assaulted, and I have seen big and small officers take down large criminals.

Most of the time, if you are prepared well and you utilize verbal skills, that can be learned, a lot of potentially hazardous situations can be avoided.

Small statured officers have proven themselves time after time that they are viable police officers just like their larger counterparts.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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