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Question
Officer Payne, I am exiting the Marine corps next month after over 13 years, I am currently a Chief Warrant Officer, I have done well, and just decided to leave the corps for my family. I am leaving on good terms with lots of people trying to get me to stay. My wife is from Beaufort and we are moving back there with my two boys. I intend on applying for both the sheriff and Beaufort police department. My question is about my background. before i joined the corps I made some mistakes, one misdemeanor, drinking under age, and several traffic tickets, all these were before i was 21 and i am now 34. is this going to DQ me with either of the Beaufort departments? Thanks for your time.
Mr. Welch,
I don't see a problem at all. Especially if that is all there is, and you have had a good career. I would imagine you will get snatched up pretty quickly.
I am retired now, but I worked for the City of Beaufort and I have a lot of friends with the Sheriff's Office. Both good places to work. I would probably try with the sheriff's Office first. It's bigger and has more opportunities for advancement and training.
Good luck and best wishes!
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Answers by Expert:
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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