Expert: Jason Grabill - 9/14/2005

Question
Hi Jason,
 My dealings with the police over the past 6 months has gotten me interested in law enforcement. I recently signed up for an academy that certifies in Animal control. However, in order to do work as an animal control officer in my state, you need to actually serve in law enforcement or you need to at least be a certifiable police officer. I have never considered going into law enforcement before this so I don't know much about it and the thought of working as a police officer scares the daylights out of me, but for some reason I am still really interested. My biggest concern about it, is my personality as I tend to be quite reserved and passive ecspecially until I am comfortable with what I am doing. From what I have heard, it is difficult to become an officer and this trait would probably kick me out of the race from the beggining so I am trying to think of things I could do to make me at least a little more comfortable and familiar with law enforcement. Any ideas? I am planning  ride alongs with a couple departments, but besides that I am not really sure what else I could do to see if I could do it or not.(I have worked in emergency response for 4 years, so I at least have that going for me) . Also what does the police academy usually consist of and if I do successfully complete it, then what?
Thanks again,
Bailey  

Answer
Bailey:

  Hey, good to hear from you again!  Sorry for the delay in responding, been doing hurricane stuff, so busier than I'd like to be..

 Animal control could be a very good fit for you.  I'm not sure of how the AC side works in your state, but it may be that you just have to complete an academy, and then you start working as an ACO.  The biggest thing will be just doing what you are told to do, and not thinking about it too much.  Remember, the academy is designed more to teach you how to be in law enforcement than to stress you out, although there is some stress involved.  There will be lots of both Physical training and book work, learning the law and all that.  Again, though, just give it your best shot and keep remembering that the light at the end of the tunnel is the job you really want to do.

Good luck, and keep me updated!

Best Regards,

Jason