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Question
Jason,
My name is Derek I am 21, I have been in the Navy working as a Master-at-Arms (police officer) for the past 3 1/2 years. I am getting out in July and wanting to move to IL with my wife. I would like to get my career rolling, but I don't know what needs to be done. Can you help me?
Derek
Derek:
First, decide where in IL you want to live, then start looking at who polices there, in that area. Is it county/city/state? Or a combination of the 3? Then, google the name of the town/area, etc, and see if they have a local law enforcement agency website; (most do), go to it, and read as much as you can about the agency, esp what they do in the hiring process, and how they hire. Many agencies are hiring right now, so you stand a decent shot. Put in as many applications as you can, to the surrounding areas where you want to live, and then be prepared to wait...it's a lengthy process, usually taking from 3 months to a year, before you get hired.
Best of luck!
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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