Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/25/2004

Question
Jason: I'm a 47 year old caucasian male interested into work prospects either in law enforcement or homeland security. I'm in excellent shape, excellent health, practice martial arts, don't drink or smoke, and have a clean criminal and traffic record. I had a bankrupty over 7 years ago, but have turned things around.
I have a BA in Journalism and worked as a reporter for 12 years before working in youth care and lately as a self-employed dog trainer.
Can you think of any place I might fit in the private or public sector. I'm an excellent interviewer and investigator (from my reporting years).
If I was 10 years younger I would apply for a Border Patrol position.
I presently live in Idaho but will be moving back to New Mexico in December.
I know my questions is open-ended, but if you have any suggestions I would welcome them.
Can the general public attend police academies?

My Best Regards, Steve  

Answer
Steve:

  Ah, yes, I feel your pain, believe me.  I'm 40 this year, and tried to go back on active duty with the Marines a while ago...too old, tho.  Such is the way of things.

  However, your prospects for some type of service are not lost.  Many agencies no longer have age cutoffs, at least in local & state law enforcement;  the federal goverment STILL discriminates based on age (cut off is 37 for almost all federal law enforcement jobs) with no exceptions.  Some of the agencies affected by this are FBI, Border patrol, NCIS, DEA, etc.   

  But, lots of police departments, and state police agencies, will take a look at you;  with your knowledge and experience, you'd be a good candidate.  Basically, once you get back to NM, contact the State police first (they have a website, just google "New Mexico State Police Recruitment"), then check with the local county and city departments.

  In Maryland, 'citizens' can go through a police academy if they pay their own way in some counties (Washington County and PG County), and that will get you certified, so you can get hired by an agency.

 Good luck, let me know how things go!

Jason