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Careers: Police/getting hired as town police officer

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Expert: - 12/28/2007


Question
well i have applied at the county sheriff's office passed written test an interviewed ,but didn't get hired,so i applied to the local hospital for security guard and i got the job and been working there for months , have the CDT training and now the local town police have six openings and i want to apply . I know just about all the officers even hung out with a couple before they were officers . Anyway i have bad credit and used pot as a teenager not all the time just every once in a while.I am currently 30yrs old have two children happily married and want to get my career in law enforcement on its way ,but there again my employment history is long . what are my chance's of getting hired?

Answer
Marshall:

 It will depend on state rules for use of drugs (amount and times used) to determine if that DQ's you or not.  One thing about law enforcement, you have to keep applying (usually) multiple times before you get hired.  It's not unheard of for people to apply to the same agency several times before they get picked up.  I'd encourage you to apply to the town police and see what happens.

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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