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Question
Hello Sir,
I am trying to get into Law Enforcement in a couple years and I have some questions.I have bad credit right now but im trying to get a second job to pay off my debt.If I managed to pay off some people and lower the amount of debt but still had some would that still hurt me when I apply for Law Enforcement.Also another question when I was young I messed up allot and I have been fired from like 4 employers in my 25 yrs of life .The rest I have quit and gave notice to,I quit due to hours,pay rate and ect.How would that look ? 5 cant be that bad and if I show improvement now will that help? what if when I applied I had a college degree,a good employment history,and a little bit bad credit but it improved ?
James:
Debt isn't a big issue unless you haven't been paying your bills at all. Then it is. Having multiple jobs isn't, either, as long as you weren't fired for stealing, assault, things like that. College degree is good, so is military service. Don't sweat the credit thing that much it's not a deal breaker, unless you have a bunch of other things including the not so good credit...
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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