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Careers: Police/How to become a police officer

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Expert: - 1/27/2009


Question
Hi,my name is Alexandria and I am a student graduating this year. I was wondering what steps you have to take to become a police officer/ detective. I know it takes years to become a detective, but my main concern is if I will get rejected for a past crime, a misdemeanor when i was 16. I would like more in depth information of the steps taken to archive this goal. Thank you!

Answer
Alexandria:

  Minor issues as a juvenile usually aren't that much of a problem as long as you disclose them during the background check.  As long as there is nothing else on the record, most PD's consider this as an 'everyone makes mistakes, as long as you don't repeat them" type of deal.  

 Some juvenile records can be expunged when you turn 18, but you still have to let the background investigator know about them even if they no longer appear on your record.

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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