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Question
Dear Jason,
I'm a high school student and i need some guidance. I am a well behaved kid and i was wondering how I can become an officer.
I'm not sure on the basics, such as do you have to get your BA in criminal justice or in law enforcement. Or if you just go into the acadamy and take it from there. I will want to move on to something higher than just a street cop but i dont know.
Overall i am just lost on the education you need to become a officer. Anything would really help.
thank you, david
David:
First and foremost, being "just" a street cop is not a bad thing. The guys on the street are the first one's in, the last one's out. They get to do the real police work. Yeah, alot of it can be low level BS at times, but it's still where you actually get to do "the job" and make a difference.
Very few agencies require a BA, at least at the local level. Federal agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NCIS, etc, require one to work as an agent.
If you are considering college, then stay away from a BA in Criminal Justice as your major. Take English, journalism, or something else that will help you write well. Cops, no matter where they work, write more than they do anything else. The CJ can be a minor.
You really don't "need" a 4 year degree in most local law enforcement; it's not a bad thing to have, but it's not a requirement. The basic police academy will teach you everything you need to know.
Best of 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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