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Careers: Police/application process

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Expert: - 4/24/2009


Question
Hi Mr. Payne.  I have some more questions for you.  I was curious what the hiring process for a typical police department is like.  Is there anything that I can do to stand out from other applicants?  I have no experience, but I'm a hardworker, and quick learner who takes his job seriously.  I'm looking to make this a lifetime career that I will someday retire from.  Thanks.

Answer
Cody,

Thanks for the question.

The hiring process can vary from town to town or state to state. Most start with an application process, references, prior work history, and etc.

Background investigation, credit check, criminal history check, driver's license check, interview, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, written examination, physical agility test, and etc.

Some agencies will do some of the above, some will do all of the above.

If you can't get in right away, try volunteering at a police agency. This is a great way to get your feet in the door and learn the ins and out of that police agency. Take a police Reserve Officer Course offered by a lot of local community colleges.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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