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Careers: Police/How to start early in becomming SWAT
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Question
My name is Ricco, I am 5'9, 162 pounds, and 16. I attend Gold Beach highschool and i am currently a junior. I play football and baseball,and hoping to go to college for one. I am very much interested in a career opurtunity as a potential S.W.A.T officer, i realize that i must become a cop first, and i hope to when i get out of school. My dad is currenty a P.O officer at the Curry County sherifs department. He has talked to me about it and we agree that it would be a good career. I am wondering what i can start working on now, as a junior, classes, work experience, anything that will help me get as close to my goal as possible. Anything would help. So if i could get some help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Ricco
Ricco:
Sounds like you are off to the right start! I'd suggest taking courses in English, creative writing, journalism, and the like. Cops write/type far more than the average person, and they write more than they fight. Ask your dad, he'll tell you that for sure. The English and whatnot classes, will help you become a better writer overall. It sounds like you've got the physical stuff down, which is good.
As far as work experience, a good, steady, work history (long time at the same job) is a plus when investigators are doing backgrounds on you. Makes life easier, and also shows them that you are stable, and stick to one job (even if it sux...lol).
Best of luck!
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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