Careers: Police/requirements

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Expert: - 1/6/2007


Question
hello. My name is Jazmine . I'm currently a high school student. I've
decided my career to be a nurse. I love helping people and its great
money. My boyfriend is very interested in being a police officer. He
doesn't want to be stuck years studying (like i will) . He wants something
easy to do. What are some things he needs to do to become a police? and
what's the salary yearly ?

thank you,
Jazmine


Answer
Jazmine:

  If he wants something "easy to do", then law enforcement is NOT the career for him.  If it were 'easy' almost anyone could do it, which is not the case.  First, he'd need to be accepted to an agency, which entails approximately six months, or more, of background investigations, testing, interviews, pschyological testing, etc.  Then he'll have to complete a Police academy, which vary in length from 2-7 months long, depending on the agency or state he's applying in.

 The salary is agency dependant, there is no one, set, starting salary nationally, it depends on what state and what agency he would belong to.  Typically, starting salaries range from 30-40 thousand yearly.

 Best of luck,
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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