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Careers: Police/Reckless Driving Conviction, could it hurt me

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Expert: - 8/31/2007


Question
Mr. Grabill,
I am very interested in becoming a police officer.  So much so that I've already had ride alongs, done a lot of research and pretty much know where I want to go.  One thing though.  In my county to get into the Police Academy you have to go through PASS (www.policestandards.org)  It states that to get through the application process you've got to have a clean driving record for 5+ years.  I got my conviction 1.5 years ago.  I was wondering whether or not you think it would be worth it to appeal this in front of the Board to see if they'll let me through the Academy with it on there.  I was told I could appeal it, but 8/10 times they don't over look it because they majority of the time you're driving.  Thank you.

Answer
Paul:


  It would certainly be worth trying to appeal it, and see what happens, but if the standards are set in stone, it's probably going to be a major issue, esp. if it's only been 18 months since it happened.   Still, if you have the chance to appeal, I'd try it and see what happens.

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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