Careers: Police/Police

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Expert: - 3/25/2009


Question
QUESTION: What is the averge salary nowadays for a policer officer? I under stand when becoming a cop you work around the clock i am currently a college student i am going for psycology and crimnal justice, for example i still want to be a psychiatrist, and if i become a cop will i still have time to become a psychiatrist, because i really want to do both?

ANSWER: Hi Brian,

Why not do both? Ever think of being a criminal psychiatrist? A criminal profiler??

Those have both requirements.

Average, salary depends on the area of the country. It varies widely, about 25k on the low end up to 75k on the top for starting officers.

Plus you can get school funding help for going to college while your working as a cop.

The federal agencies (FBI, DEA, DHS...)would love a officer with both of those talents.

Hope that helps...

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That helped alot thx big time, my next question may sound stupid but do cops have have assigned partners or can recommned partners, orare they always solo, and do you know anywere were i can get the salary info form website etc. or do i ned to call the policestation itself?

Answer
Hey Brian,

SOrry for the delay, I was ut camping, no computer you know!

Anyway 1 or 2 man cars depends on the department, not many 2 man units anymore. ALso you do not get to choose. They choose for you.

As for money, you can look each department on the web, and they should have that info posted there.

Again sorry fot the delay.  

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Chris Wagoner

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I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

Experience

I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.

Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.

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