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Expert: - 7/5/2010


Question
Dear Mr Payne,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask this question, I assure you it is greatly appreciated.
I am a 22 year old male, who has just graduated from university in the UK. I studied Police and Criminal Investigation for 3 years and graduated with honours. The more I stay in the UK the more I long to move abroad and after a trip to the states last year I decided there and then that that is the country for me!
I know you have to be a US citizen to join any police service within the US, however I was wondering if it would be worth me applying to any forces and for a permit to police etc. with my degree. For example would be chances of being accepted be realistic at all?
Once again, thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,

Jon Lenton

Answer
Jonathan,

Thanks for the question.

Yes, there is a citizenship requirement in the states. I am not sure if all states have this requirement, but most do. Check with individual States Attorney Generals Offices to what the requirements are, and start applying for your citizenship. Stay in school and complete your course work while pursuing your dream.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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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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