Careers: Police/psycho cops?

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Expert: - 3/26/2011


Question
Hello Mr. Grabill,
I've seen a lot of TV shows and movies which feature loony cops behaving VERY badly, murdering suspects or becoming romantically obsessed with pretty crime victims, etc.
What kind of psychological/psychiatric tests are given to police trainees nowadays?  How likely is it that a disturbed--or even psychopathic--trainee would be able to "slip through the cracks" and graduate to become a police officer?
Just wondering.  Thank you for your time!

Caleb

Answer
Caleb:

 Most agencies give a basic test...but like in every part of society, sometimes the bad ones get through.  About the best I can tell you I'm afraid.  (That and TV highlights only the bad ones not the good ones....nature of the business I'm afraid).

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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