You are here:

Careers: Police/Right man for the job

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/30/2006


Question
I've wanted to be a police officer my entire life. I'm not sure why, but I've always wanted to help people. My father was also a police officer.
   I just turned 25 and am recently out of college.
   My problem is, I've been involved in theatre all throughout high school and even majored in it in college.
   I was wondering if this would be a hinderance to my career as a police officer. While I have no knowledge of guns or police work, I have good skills with dealing with people and have always been in good physical shape.
   I just didn't want my degree to be looked down apon or hinder my chances for promotions.

Answer
Jack,

Thanks for the question!

Don't worry about the knowledge of guns or police work. Most new police recruits have very little experince or any knowledge in law enforcement. All of those things can be taught through training, and it's very hard to find people that are good in dealing with people.

I say go for your dreams, and best wishes!

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.