Expert: Dick Rogers - 6/16/2007

Question
I was reading up on becoming a state trooper. My question is this. What if i have 4 years in the Marine corps, and have spent 1.5 years in iraq as a MP. Would i have to go through everything that civilians do. Or would there be some exceptions for me with of course having a honorable discharge. I have two more years left on my contract and still have no idea what im going to do when i get out.

Answer
Dustin, although you have a significant background for police work, virtually any agency will require you to attend their specific academies...for good reason.  There are complexities in state laws that require thorough training in them as well as specific departmental rules and regulations.  Also, case law, which is also taught at police academies, get you on board in a legal sense.  There are some agencies that prefer that candidates not have prior experience as it tends to lead recruits into adopting previous training that may come in conflict with the hiring departments policies.  Hope this helps.