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Question
I'm in Gr.9 and I want to be a police officer when I'm older, so what kind of grades do you need in high school to be an officer? What colleges or universities do you need to go to to be a officer?
Hi Kelsey!
Well, you need decent grades, but they don't have to be straight 'A's or anything like that. A good grade point average will help you get into law enforcement, or a good college.
As far as college/university goes, you don't need a degree to be a police officer, unless you are looking to be an FBI agent or something like that. Most agencies don't require any kind of college to get hired, but it does look good when you apply if you have a degree. I'd advise taking classes in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, and things like that, since Police officers write tons of reports. If you can take a typing course, do that as well; it will def. help. Computers are the wave of the future, so knowledge of that is also helpful.
Good luck; being a police officer is a fun job, and a very rewarding career!
Best Regards,
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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