Careers: Police/Police Hiring

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Expert: - 12/12/2009


Question
This is a question about disqualifying the hiring process in a Police Department. I am dead set that I want to become a law enforcement officer in the future as a career. I meet all requirements as far as criminal history, traffic history, credit, and education. I plan on attending a university to acquire a BA in CJ and hopefully a MA in Psychology. I'm also planning on joining the Army Reserves as an MP. So overall if all goes well I will be more the qualified for the job.

However, there is one thing in my past that I worry may keep me from becoming a law enforcement officer. When I was 15 I over dosed on sleeping pills it was a suicide attempt. I voluntarily went to a Mental Hospital for treatment and saw a psychiatrist for several years after. I have taken several psych evaluations and passed in good mental health. I am also hoping with college and military service will prove I can handle stress. As another note, I have no history abusing drugs despite this one incident. I have never used any illegal drugs. If it makes a different I am currently 22 so its been a while since the incident.

As for someone who has been in law enforcement, do you think I will have a problem getting employed with a department with this in my past?

Thank you for your time

Thank for your many years of service  

Answer
Joshua:

 I think that with time, and your current plans, you'll be ok.  You'll have to give a detailed explanation as to what happened of course, but I believe if you are successful in getting your degree and in your military service, it won't be a major issue.

 Good luck, and thanks!

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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