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Careers: Police/I want to be a secret service agent

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Expert: - 8/1/2009


Question
Hi, my name is Omar and i just graduated high school, my dream one day is to become a secret service agent. I have have a plan on how to get accepted in the service and i was hoping you could help me out and if you belive i will get accepted in the service. first i was planing on going to college and getting my associates degree in criminal justice, and aslong as i am there i was hoping to learn a foreign language (besides English i already can speak perfect spanish but i figured the more languages you speak the better). Also during my two years in college i want to attend the police explorers program to understand Law Enforcement better. After college i was also thinking of joining the military and becoming a Navy Seal for a couple of years. If I follow this plan do you think the Secret Service will accept me. And if not what do you suggest i should do to better improve my chances to get into the service.

I have wondering for a while and im really hoping you could help me out, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Answer
Omar:

 The degree is a 'must', personally I'd go for something OTHER than Criminal Justice.  Try business administration, accounting, or something else.  They are a 'better' degree and are more marketable.  

 Not sure on Police explorers, but I was under the impression that it's for those under the age of 18, not people in college.  

 Good luck with the 'SEAL' thing it's more difficult than just enlisting.  Any military service will certainly give you a 'leg up' in applying to the agency.

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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