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Careers: Police/Personality types

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Expert: - 12/14/2006


Question
Jason,

I'm interested in a career in law enforcement. My interest sparks from collaborating with officers in my current position with Dept of Fam & Chn Services. Here's my question. I've had a hard time pinning down what exactly it is that I want to do with my life. I don't want to make a mistake by taking a jump into a career that I'm not fit for. I know that there isn't one personality type for all police officers but there have to be some similarities. What would be some overarching qualities, that you have observed, that good long-lasting officers possess? Thanks for your time.

Jon

Answer
Jon:

  The ability to work with little or no supervision, to think on your feet (improvise, adapt, overcome), a good sense of humor, excellent writing skill, patience, and being able to talk to anyone, regardless of their position in life.  

 If you have those qualities, or believe you do, you are a good fit for police work, in my opinion.

Best of luck!

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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