Careers: Police/starting out

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Expert: - 4/22/2009


Question
Hello.  I have wanted to be a police officer for a long time.  Now feels like the right time.  I have a great job, but something seems to be missing, like I have more to offer.  I'm 30 years old with no experience.  My local department doesn't require any experience.  I was wondering how do you know if you have what it takes before switching career paths.  Is it something that you have a strong feeling about, or is there more?  I want to make the most informed decision before I leave my current job.  I am an extremely hard worker, who can learn very quickly.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Cody:

 Quite simply, you won't know until you do it.  There isn't really any specific advice I can give you with your question.  One suggestion I might have, if the agency you are interested in has a ride along program, you might try doing a few of those, to see what police officers do 'day to day', if your only experience has been the television or reading about it.

 I'd suggest starting the application process, as it usually takes quite some time to complete, and you can drop at any time.

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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