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Careers: Police/police work after marine corps

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Expert: - 11/30/2007


Question
I'm 20 and have finished two years of general requirments at my local community college and was planing to transfer to a university, where I would then get a degree in criminal justice. However, I also want to join the Marines before transfering to the university so I get the discipline and experience, not to mention it would help financially. My question is one, do you think this is a good path in becoming  eligible for a special assignments unit. Two, what would be the best MOS for a future in law enforcement(besides military Police). And three, would I still need to go to a police academny since being in the Marines? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Tony,

Thanks for the question.

First of all, I commend you for trying to get your education and for wanting to serve your country.The Marine Corps is an excellent branch of service.

Any military training will benefit you in law enforcement. The discipline, physical conditioning, and career training can't do anything but help.

I am not sure about all states, but most will still make you go through some type of police academy, even with the military training.

The MOS question is a good one. I would probably recommend the Military Police, Explosive Ordinance Disposal. If you complete your degree, possibly even helicopter training in the military could be a good route to take, depending on what your desires are for law enforcement.

Good luck and best wishes!

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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