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Careers: Police/passing the written exams in top percentile

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Expert: - 6/21/2006


Question
I'm writing for my husband tonight as I was on the site for another matter...He is diligently applying at police depts. but scoring in the 80's.  We need a 98!  The market in SW Ohio is competitive and full of applicants.  He hasn't gone thru the academy yet as it's not required by all depts. Do you know if any study material or anything that could help get the mark we need to move on to the next level.. He wants to be an officer more than anything and believes it is his purpose...what should we do to make it happen?  Is going thru the academy at our expense going to be the best answer?


Answer
Christine:

 There are a couple of things he can do, if he hasn't tried them already.  First is try and get a couple of books for "police tests", available at Waldens, Borders, or any other chain type bookstore.  Your local library may have some older ones which might work as well.  ARCO is one company that makes the books, there may be others.  

 You can also try google-ing the words "police testing", that may give you some ideas as well.  

 Lastly, try using some web boards.  www.officer.com has a really good web board that could provide some help, answers from real cops that may even be in your area.

 Going through an academy at your own expense certainly makes him more 'hireable', as a department will then not have to pay him to go.  It's certainly an option I'd look at;  most departments also pay higher for already certified officers.  If he can do that, it's probably his best option at this point.  Def. worth looking into.

Good luck!

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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