Careers: Police/Police Officer

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Expert: - 8/6/2010


Question
You've probably got this a lot, but I am 19 yrs old and live
in the state of California and would like to know. "What would
be your best advice about becoming a police officer  for me?"

Answer
Aaron:

 Not so much lately.  Biggest things that will DQ you these days are the following:

Drug use (more than 1 or 2 times experimental.  Go ahead and try to claim anything more than 20 times is 'experimental'...)

Criminal charges:  A minor shoplifting at 13 is explainable.  Not so much at 18.  ANY criminal charges have to be explained....best not to do dumb things LOL.

Driving offenses:  5 speeding tickets?  Bad idea.  

Poor physical condition:  Law enforcement is a physical profession.  You need to be in good shape.  Couch potatoes usually have problems in the academy.

****

Stay in school, try to volunteer in your community, and make yourself into the best possible candidate you can.  If you don't have military service, you'd better be an Eagle scout working on a 4 year degree in something...because the military folks are your direct competition, and many agencies prefer them over folks with 'no' prior military service.

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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