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Careers: Police/Military vs Law Enforcement

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Expert: - 12/14/2006


Question
Hello. This is my first year in college, but am undecided wether I want to pursue a career in law enforcement or in the military. Or perhaps if being in the military first would be advised before becoming some type of police officer. Do you have an opinion on the matter? Would college, or service in the military be more beneficial for a law enforcement career? and in the case of the military being better, what would be best? MP?
thanks serg

Answer
Sergio:

  The military is always a good option, because in addition to giving you experience, it'll also help to pay for college later if you choose to go back.  Personally, I wouldn't go into the MP field no matter what branch you choose, simply because what they do has little to do with what civilian law enforcement does.  MP's primarily do convoy operations, detainee stuff, and things like that.  While it's good experience, it's not exactly what you might be looking for.  Of course, not ALL MP's go overseas, so you could very well be doing law enforcement type work;  but I'd still stay away from that MOS.  Look into something like Intelligence, Journalism, etc.  

 There is nothing wrong with staying in college and getting a degree if that is what you want to do, of course.  You might also look into ROTC programs at your school, so you could go into the military as an officer after graduating.

Best of luck!

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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