Careers: Police/police career?

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Expert: William Payne - 11/5/2009


Question
Hello sir,

I am interested in a career in Criminal Justice. I am currently enrolled in a few criminal justice classes as well as ROTC. I plan on joining the military as a JAG or OSI. However some things im curious about: When should i retire to join a police force? Im interested in working in a Special victims unit, i also would like to work in the field perhaps still use military training.

is there anything you could recommend for me that could help me out?
-Allen

Answer
Allen,


Thanks for the question.


I know a lot of officers that have served a full career in the military and then come into law enforcement. The military offers a wealth of training and educational opportunities that are hard to pass up.

Give the military at least a try and if you like it, continue on with it. If you see that it is not something you are going to be sticking with, then get out, but at least you would have received a lot of training.



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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