Expert: Jason Grabill - 9/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: hey im currently in the military and have been for the past two years. i am also enrolled in penn foster's college for criminal justice and am getting my AA. but hopefully will get my bachelours before i leave. ive been wanting to make a difference since i was a kid and joining the military is great but its not for someone who likes to be around there family. im hopefully going to portland police dpt. after this so i can make a difference in the commuity. but the problem is i have tattoos. i know the militay didnt mind but i havent met a police officer with a sleeve. i have a sleeve on my left arm, nothing gang or cult related just my irish heratage and some other tribals and such. but is it possible for me to do law enforcment with that? also i wanted to know if ex military get jobs as a police officer easily? im not sure i know its hard to get a job but if we get on the list faster or do we get over looked? thank you.

ANSWER: Cory:


 You would have to check with the department you are looking at attempting to get hired by, on their tatoo policy.  Some don't mind as long as they aren't gang/violent, others do, while others will make you wear long sleeve shirts year round to cover them up.   Each department is different.

 If you are active duty then you almost always get 'veterans preference' in hiring for both civilian and federal jobs.  That means you get picked ahead of someone with no military experience as long as you meet all qualifications.

Jason

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

QUESTION: thank you jason. i read your experience profile at it show's that you've been through a lot. my question is what was the most rewarding job for you. enjoyable to do. and also made the most of a  difference? i was thinking about doing SWAT or somewhere in that range. im the kinda person that likes to stay indoors when it comes to work. any suggestions?

Answer
Cory:

 If 'indoors' is your thing then SWAT isn't it.   There are very few 'indoors' jobs in law enforcement for the most part.   I've enjoyed all of my jobs but it just depended on what I was doing in my life at the time how much I liked doing them.  

Jason