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Careers: Police/Criminologist Requirements

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Expert: - 6/22/2010


Question
Right now I am going to college and I have in mind a career in Forensic Science or Criminologist.
But my question is that if  I could work on one of this career if I am not a U.S. citizen. I know that for a police officer, detective, U.S. Marshal, and FBI is required but I am not sure about these two. I hope you  can help me and I live in Texas, probably the requirements vary depending on each state.

Answer
Jose,


Thanks for the question.

You are right, the requirements are different in each state. Most states that I am familiar with require citizenship to be in law enforcement. However, in some you may be able to work with a Visa or work permit. You would have to check the requirements in each state you are interested in. Check with the Attorney General's Office in Texas.

There are some states that also do not require you to be in law enforcement to hold positions that you have mentioned.


Good luck and best wishes!

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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.

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