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Careers: Police/age limit on becoming a police officer

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Expert: - 8/16/2007


Question
Hi Jason, I am almost 50 yrs. old, when I was 18 I knew I wanted to be a cop.  In 1975 there were no police "women", I was even laughed at back then for wanting to become a police officer.  My dream has never died, I just became a mother & most definitely older.  Is there any chance for me?

Answer
Linda;

 I would say as long as you are still physically fit, and able and willing to do the job, to go for it!  Age discrimiation is illegal as long as you can pass the required testing (unless you are applying to the federal gov't, they DO age disriminate..go figure...) so I'd say give it a shot!  What do you have to lose?  Well worth the try, and your life experience should give you a "leg up" on the younger set.

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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