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Expert: - 5/5/2007


Question
I would like to know if having a felony with a full pardon would disqualify me from becoming an officer. The felony was for bad checks. I have not even had a speeding ticket in many years. IS there a way to get on the force or is there no hope of this? I have been able to purchase a handgun legally,(within the past two weeks).My pardon papers ALL rights restored.

Answer
Glenn:

  If your record has been totally expunged, with a full pardon, you should apply.  It's worth trying.  Ensure that when you do the background for the agency, you are totally and completely honest about the incident, and the now clean record.

  In today's society, sad to say, it will be an uphill climb, but it IS possible to do.  You will just have to be persistant about it.  You may have to work at a smaller agency for several years to establish credibility, however.  That is certainly worth trying as well.

 I'd say you at least try, you'll never know until you do.

Best of luck!
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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