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Expert: - 3/17/2007


Question
I have wanted to be a Police officer for some time now, i have an Associates degree, and i am less then one year away form my B.A in Justice Administration, i have no criminal history, no traffic violations, and i have only experimented with marijuana when i was like 15 or 16 years of age, i do not drink..nor do i smoke or do any drugs of anykind...The question i have is i went through a divorce that was like all divorces costly and horrible, my ex out of spite filed a restraining order about 3yrs back as a custody tactic to use in court, as i said i have no criminal background to speak of in my whole life before or after!!!!! i was wondering would that civil restraining order disqualify me, and will my ex wifes horrible words disqualify me when the background investigators speak with her?????for i would hate to try if she can steal ruin yet another part of my life???????what do you think????

Answer
Anthony:

  It will depend on what type of restraining order this was, and the conditions of it, and if it is still in place or not.  If it was sustained (meaning that it was found to be correct, and not dropped), then you might have a problem.  Make sure you have all your documentation from that time period, including your counterclaims and the judges final decision, if it was in your favor.  If it was overruled, and found baseless, then you shouldn't have an issue.  

The background investigator will talk to her, but if the rest of your background doesn't show any issues, and there were never any criminal charges filed, and the divorce was the only issue, you might come out ok.  It will depend on those variables, though.

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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