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Careers: Police/previous employer

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Expert: - 12/14/2006


Question
Hello.  Here is my question:  I worked for a previous police department over 10 years ago.  I resigned from this department due to personality conflicts with a few of the officers there. The department was a part-time officer department with 2 full timers.  I was next inline to become a full time officer and certain officers did not like this idea.  They prevented me from changing my status by telling all sorts of lies and other trickery that i just don't want to remember.  I resigned and left the department with no suspensiions, no disciplinary actions, and no citizen complaints against.  Some of those officers are still with the department.  I recently applied for a position with the federal government (police).  I passed every test they gave me, and received favorable reviews from other employers (according to the investigator).  The only department that has not responded to the investigator yet is my old department from 10 years ago.  I believe they will say things that will hurt my chances.  There is a new chief there and he does not know me at all.  How should I handle this issue?

Answer
Frank:

 Quite simply, explain to your background investigator exactly what you've explained to me.  If you have no further adverse 'issues' with any other agency, or job, then one 'blip' is not going to hurt your chances.  

Best regards,
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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