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Careers: Police/Age limit on peace officers

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Expert: - 4/28/2007


Question
I noticed there were many people asking this question, but no one had similar circumstances. Therefore, I thought I would ask anyway. I was wondering if there is a way around the 21-year-old age limit for becoming a peace officer. I am 17 but I graduated two years early so I am finishing my freshman year this semester. I will be finished with my Assoc. next year and am hoping to find a job in law enforcement. Is the 21-age limit only for armed sections? If I applied for a "desk jockey" position, would the age limit not apply? The only problem is I will be only interested in the position for two years until I join the military. If I could find a position, should I tell them or keep it to myself? Even if I did reserves, I would have to have one year off for training. One last question =). I have been told by an FBI agent and a couple DS agents that Criminal Justice is not necessarily the best degree to have. Is this a common belief or are they just off? Thanks for the help!
Phil

Answer
Phil:

  First, age limits aren't waiverable.  They are state mandated and part of law.  

  The age limit "probably" doesn't apply to certain non sworn positions (such as dispatch and the like), but that is up to the agency.  

  I would never tell an agency that I was just 'marking time' until something better or different came along.  Actually, I wouldn't tell ANY potential employer that, because quite frankly, it's the last thing they want to hear, and it will pretty much assure you that you won't be hired by them.

 The FBI agent is correct.  A CJ degree is not the greatest and won't assure you of getting hired, and you can't use it for much else after Law Enforcement.   A degree in business, English, Journalism, etc would serve you better in the long run, in my opinion.   

Best of luck!
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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