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I am 17 years old, about to be 18 in march. My Dream is to become an Animal Cop. I love animals and that is the way i want to go to help animals. I want this to be my career. My question to you is, what do I have to do to become an animal cop. How many years of school? What do i take in school? what classes are needed? I have no idea what to do, so I am asking everyone I find about this. Thank you so much.
Sarah Neverdal
Sarah:
Different states have different rules about Animal law enforcement. Realistically, the best thing to do is find your local animal control officer/shelter/humane society website and determine what exactly it is they do. Are they 'sworn' (can write tickets and make arrests) or are they just 'pickup' people. Sometimes this will differ from county to city in the same state. There is no 'national standard' for this type of work, it's really up to the individual jurisdiction to decide how they want their 'animal cops' to operate. Some, like the humane society in NYC, are fully armed and sworn officers (meaning you would have to be 21 years old to get in); others are not, meaning the age limit would be lower.
I would check with them (the local agencies) to see what their requirements are, and work from there.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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