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Expert: - 5/2/2007


Question
Im currently a senior in high school and decided my life calling is to become a police officer. I do not wish to attend college. I have showed great interest in the nayv. Would serving in the navy as a Master at Arms (MP) be great experience and give me a good head start over other applicants? What other courses are there? What is the best course to become a police officer in your opinion (school, millitary, volunteering ect.)?

Answer
Craig,

Thanks for the question.

Any military service would be a plus. The military for the most part will turn out a person that is more "worldly" experienced, disciplined, and a little more mature.

Any kind of volunteer service at a law enforcement agency such as: Explorers, Auxiliary, Reserve, or Constable experience would really enhance your knowledge in law enforcement and more than likely get your feet in the door.

Hope this helps you out, and good luck!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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