Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/2/2010

Question
Hi-I am an officer in Greece for the last 21 years.  I am moving to America w/my family (wife is a born american citizen) Would it be possible for me to seve on a USA police force with a green card?  I am 42 years old.  If so, how would I go about applying?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello George,
Your age only has relevancy regarding federal law enforcement, where age 37 is usually the ceiling.
With others, it is difficult to say, as there are something like 40,000 local, county and state law enforcement agencies.
The first place to check, is with the U.S. State department, to see if there are any black-letter law requirements.
I would also suggest you check with INS.
After you have checked all these areas, you should keep in mind the cost issue. Most if not all police agencies require a background investigation on all new hires. With you being a foreign national, surfaces added cost issues.
It might be possible to see if there is a way for your old agency, can plug you into Interpol, with your background, references etc. Just a thought.
As you proceed in checking these things out, also be mindful of the many regulatory jobs at local, state and federal jurisdictions. There is an abundance of these, where they enjoy police powers in limited and specific areas of enforcement.
You might also contact relevant areas of the Homeland Sec. folks, to see what restrictions exist, with any recent laws or regulations.
Hope this is helpful.
Good luck,
loren