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Expert: - 4/6/2009


Question
Hello, I am nineteen years old and I was curious as to the age requirement to start the academy? As well as if you are paid while in the recruiting process I assume not since you pay for the classes but I figured I would ask anyway. I live in Maryland I have no prior problems besides as single speeding ticket, have no past with any drugs or drinking. Also I have taken a few classes in college including psychology I wanted to know if they help at all or only criminal justice credits?

Is there any type of financial aid for the academy in Maryland or a loan system they use? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Storm:


 You must be age 21 upon graduation of the academy, which usually takes 6 months or so to complete.  There are very, very few academies in Maryland that allow a 'regular' civilian to attend, almost all are run by agencies that send their recruits through.  Two that used to do it were the Western Md Police Academy in Hagerstown, and the PG Municipal Academy in Largo.  There is no financial aid for these as far as I'm aware, it's 'pay as you go with a lump sum'.  

 Your best chance to get certified is to get hired by an agency.
Any college coursework will help for sure.  The ticket isn't an issue.  I'd personally go for some other type of degree than CJ, but concentrate on English, Journalism, writing, etc, since law enforcement does tons of writing.  The better you write, the better chances you'll have at promotion and the easier time you'll have overall.

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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