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Question
Hi, Jason!
Do you know how to go about becomming an animal cop? Right now I am a corrections officer with the local sheriff's department, and we do not have an animal protection division. We do have a human society, but I am not sure if they would be over animal cops.
Thank you!
Becky:
Hi right back! Becoming an "animal cop" is lots trickier than it looks. First of all, Animal Control Officers have different powers in different localities, not to mention different states and counties. For example, in NYC, they are actually considered sworn officers, for the purpose of investigating Animal offenses. They carry a gun, etc. Around here, in Maryland, I do not know of a single Human Society or jurisdiction that allows its officers to carry a firearm, and they have NO power of arrest that I am aware of. They can issue citations for violations of ordinances, but must call a police officer for an arrest.
Since my knowledge on this is very limited, I ran a google search (www.google.com), and came up with TONS of info...far to much to reprint here. Here is the address, tho:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Animal+Cops
I basically just typed in "Animal Cops" in the search bar, and it came back with something like 120,000 hits. That will probably be much more useful to you than any general info I may have. I suggest, for another search, run your state's name along with it, "Maryland Animal cops" for example.
Good luck!
Jason
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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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