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Careers: Police/If a county office rejects me, do I have a chance with the State?

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Expert: - 6/30/2007


Question
Sir,
I was recently rejected by a county police organization after I disclosed numerous prior thefts, and minor disciplinary actions while in the military. It is basically a pattern of poor judgement that doesn't look too good on the background packet.
I am about to submit my background packet to the MD State Police. Am I wasting thier time? I don't know if I am hurting my chances of becoming a police officer by possibly being rejected again. Should I be trying to start out with a city department or hope the State Police believe I'm a better man now? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Mike:

  If you have a recent rejection for what sounds like a 'pattern' of this, it's probably going to go the same way with MSP.  They are much more difficult to get into.  

 I'd try a smaller agency first and see what happens.  The longer a time span you have between these incidents, the better you'll be.

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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