Careers: Police/SWAT

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Expert: - 8/4/2007


Question
I am in the US NAVY. I'm a FMF corpsman. In other words I am a combat medic for the marines. I am skilled and qualified in many hand guns and rifles. For example M9, M16, M4, M60, and so on. I am trained in everything the marines are trained in and more. I would like to if I have a jump start in the SWAT program or if I would have to start from scratch like the untrained personnel?

Answer
Doc:

  I well know what an FMF Corpsman is and does.  Thanks for being there when Marines like me needed ya!

  However, outside, you have to start over.   All cops no matter what prior skill level they have, are required to go through a basic police academy, then serve some time 'on the street', before trying out for the SWAT team.  

  That having been said, you might consider employment with a federal police agency, some of them DO hire 'right off the street' for the SWAT team if you have prior experience.  Your skills would probably be put to immediate use with some of them, if you are interested in going that route.

 Matter of fact, email me at:  zebra305@earthlink.net and I can give you more information on this.

Best regards,

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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