Expert: Jason Grabill - 2/22/2011

Question
I am a 24 year old female and i have previously applied to become a police constable here in the UK. I have taken all my interviews, assessment centre, medical and physical and in november 2009 i received a letter from my chosen polce force informing me that i had passed everything and i would be receiving my start date iminately. As you can guess i was over the moon, i would finally be doing the job of my dreams, Unfortunatly in march 2010 recruitmant was frozen within the uk, i even checked to see if i could transfer to another force, but all forces have had the same problem. All police forces have now said it may not be untill 2012/2013 when they start recruiting again. I had always wanted to transfer to an American force eventually, i just always thought it be best to start my police career in the UK first. If i decided to begin my police career within an American force how would i go about it? As i previously mentioned i have already passed all my recruitment proccess required within the UK, would i need to start all over again for an American Force? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Sam:


Yes, I'm afraid you'd have to start all over.  Different laws, rules, regs.  You'd first need a 'right to work' permit (also known as a 'Green card') to work in the US.  Once you get that you can start your process.   I would begin by looking at which agencies you might want to work for and inquire directly to their recruiting folks, the internet is great for that.  It's difficult to do but not impossible, I know several folks from the UK who now work in the US as coppers.   Persistance and lots of research is the key, and knowing where you want to go and what you want to do.  Good luck!

Jason