You are here:

Careers: Police/Becoming a police officer

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/7/2010


Question
Hi. I'm an international student in the USA and this is my last semester of English course. I don't have a green card or citizenship. I'm thinking about taking Criminal Justice classes in the college. If I graduate from Criminal Justice, does the government help me to get a job as a police officer in the USA? Thank you very much.

Answer
Ugur,


Thanks for the question.

In most states, if not all of this county, you have to be a US Citizen before you can apply for a position as a police officer. You may want to contact the US Justice Department to check the status in each state.

As far as I know, the US Government does not just hand out jobs, you have to apply for them, and if your are the most qualified candidate you are then considered for the position. At least that is the way it is supposed to work.


Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.