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Careers: Police/Becoming a police officer

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Expert: - 4/9/2009


Question
Hello my name is Aimee and i am 15 yrs. old. I go to school in Las Vegas, Nevada and i am REALLY interested in becoming a police officer and if God allows it in SWAT. I stay out of trouble and am doing everything possible to be a better candidate for when i become a police officer. I was just wondering if you knew any other ways to look BE a better candidate. I am taking AP Psychology, Probability and Statistics Honors, Crime and Justice, and many other classes that would look good on my transcript and of course I keep my grades up, i'm in track and field, etc. I was also wondering if you knew if there's any way that i am able to become an US citizen because well I really love this country and am willing to do anything for it. i am really interested in being a police officer for this country and i do my best to look like a good candidate.

Answer
Aimee:

 Sounds like you are doing everything that you can possibly do at this point.    And, good news, many agencies only require you to have a right to work permit and not be a citizen, to work for them.  

 However, if you want to become a US Citizen, then I'd say start working towards that goal next.  It will certainly improve your chances.

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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