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Expert: - 5/26/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi,
First off I admire the police force and would love to join. On to my question: I am a type 1 diabetic and I want to be a detective when I get out of high school and college and training school and everything. My parents have been drilling me about it as well as my hieght, 4'8" (but I've already seen that answer). I'm only 16 and still have plenty of time but I'd like to make sure that my dream job is worth pursuing, so can an insulin dependant diabetic be a police officer?

ANSWER: Brittany:

 As long as your diabeties is controlled by medication/other means, and you can physically do what you have to, I believe most departments will hire you.  It shouldn't be an issue.

Jason

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer it was etremely helpful. As for my follow-up question, like I said before I really want to get into law enforcement, more specifically investigation and being a detective, I'd love to get into the FBI. There's not much I can learn in school or from my hometown department so I was wondering what advice or information you could give me about the job itself or possibly even a few good trustworthy websites with that kind of info?

Answer
Brittany:

 This website, if you research the 'previously answered questions' section will be extremely helpful.  You might also try www.officer.com and read the forum section (do NOT ask questions there until you've thoroughly read all the questions and answers.

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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