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Expert: - 4/25/2010


Question
I am currently serving as active duty member in the U.S. Marines, I'm interested in becoming part of the SWAT team. I understand that you need to get some experience as a police officer first and focus on being an outstanding police officer, but i was wondering would it be wise to join the force straight out of the Marines or should i use my GI bill to further my education. And if i was to go to school should i go for criminal justice or Business, because i have heard that a business degree will become a lot more useful to better my career. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Vikram:

  You nailed it.   I'd personally get the business degree, since even if you are on the force for 20 years, when you retire, you'll still need to do something, and a business degree can be used for a lot more things than the CJ one, in my opinion.

 I'd personally try to start the application process and get hired prior to getting out.  The  process can take up to a year, and unless you plan on being just a full time student, it's a good idea to already have a job.

 You have, I believe, up to 10 years to use your GI bill, and you can certainly do it once out of the academy, lots of folks do.   I'd get on the department now, but that's just my opine.

Good luck, and Semper Fi!

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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