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Question
Dear Jason Grabill,
My Name Is Blake and i want to be a FBI or swat sniper. But I'm only
11 so i cant really train much. There are no shooting ranges near by and i can't afford a sniper. Right now i have a airsoft Sniper But it doesn't really act like a real sniper rifle. I have to wear glasses and i was wondering if that would effect if i could get in. And are their snipers in police and if they are are the requirements the same as being a swat sniper. It's a honor asking you. Thank You.
Hi Blake:
I will tell you this, NOT to discourage you or anything else, but at 11, you are a bit young to be looking this far down the line. Concentrate on being a kid for the moment. Nothing wrong with target shooting, it certainly can't hurt and you'll learn good stuff. See if there is a local National Rifle Association or gun club nearby you can shoot at. OR, failing that, your local Boy Scout Troop. Boy Scouts offer both Rifle and Shotgun shooting merit badges.
At this point, any information I would provide you would be very, very old and 'stale' by the time you were eligible (10 plus years or more) to even consider becoming a Police officer. If you search this site, I've answered that question many times before, on the steps it takes to actually 'get' to a position as a Sniper in Law Enforcement. Those things still apply.
BUT, I would also encourage you to go be a kid for awhile longer. Enjoy it, it's a one time deal you don't get to do over.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
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Answers by Expert:
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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