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Careers: Police/Being hired with past
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Question
Hello Jason,
I have been interested in Police Law Enforcement all my life. I worked with a K9 unit with my brother who was a volunteer for a couple of months tracking, sleeve techniques etc. I was wondering if I had an arrest back 23 years ago for a hit & run if that would exclude me from being accepted. Do they over look the past? I 'm sure they understand that I was young and dumb and have come along ways with no other arrests in the last 20 years. I have heard stories of guys/gals who started off in the wrong direction and then turned their lives around due partly to being on the force.
Would you suggest I speak with a recruiter if they have those? Here in Florida they don't have an age limit like they do in most other states. I served in the USMC and have a honorable discharge.
Thanking you in advance for your help in this matter.
Ron:
The arrest will depend on if it was felony, or misdemeanor, and if you were convicted, spent any time behind bars, or just paid a fine. I'm guessing it was a "hit and run property damage" type accident, which means you may have shown up to court, paid a fine, got some probation or something, and moved on. If that be the case, and because of the time inovolved, I'd speak to a recruiter.
BTW, many agencies are hot to hire former Marines, you know the drill, we take care of each other. As long as that is the only dumb thing in your record, I'd def. apply.
Good luck, and Semper Fi!
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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