Careers: Police/SVU DETECTIVE

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Expert: - 10/4/2011


Question
how are you doing? i am a freshmen in college and my major is criminal justice. i was hoping to become a special victims unit detective after i complete school. it is my understanding that before you become a svu detective you have to do 7-10 years of patrol. is that true? if so, does me attending college give me a greater chance of serving less years in patrol or is better i transfer to a community college, do my general education then go on to do my 7-10 years of patrol? i dont want to be in college and it does not make a difference on my career because i personally would like to skip the patrol years! i know that is impossible but i was wondering does my degree shorten the years of patrol?

Answer
Brianna:


   Different agencies do it differently, so those 7-10 years may not be 'hard and fast' as a rule.  However, unless you go to work for one of the 'letter' federal agencies, you'll be doing patrol time for sure.  The number of years is limited by openings in the agency as well as those you are competing against.   Being a patrol officer gives you the tools you'll need to do the job well, so don't knock that experience.   The college degree will only open a door for you and isn't an assurance of getting an investigator position, however in some larger agencies, it's just about required that you have one.   Remember, you still have to get hired initially, and without a degree and no military experience, you won't be considered a 'most eligible' candidate.   I'd say do what makes you happy, and will give you the best tools down the road to do what you want to do.

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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