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Careers: Police/How to get started

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Expert: - 3/22/2005


Question
Hi!
I am interested in a career in law enforcement, particularly as a police officer or on a k-9 unit, but I have no idea where to start. I have just recently begun to consider a career in this field so I dont know to much about it yet. I have taken almost 2 years of criminal justice at my college but have not looked into a police academy . The one at my college has a very low success rate, very few of the people who start out actually make it. Are most police academies like this? Also what are the requirments for becomming an officer? Right now, I work at the fire department, do you have any idea if the physical requirements are similiar? Any advice for someone looking into this career?
Thanks!
Allison

Answer
Allison:

  No, most police academies graduate 90 percent of their officer candidates/rookies.  If possible, contact your local agencies (City, County, State) and see if they are hiring.  Most should have websites explaining the process, and how to apply.  

 The requirements vary to become an officer, but believe it or not, they are no more difficult than the Firefighter I course, in most cases, less so.  There is no heavy hose to drag around.   If you passed those tests, the PD ones will be easy in comparision.

 As far as K9 goes, you'll have to start in patrol first, and compete for the job when it becomes available;  some departments rotate handlers every couple of years, others don't.  Check with the agency you want to work for in regard to that.   You'll have to be off probation, which is usually about 18 months, to apply.

Good 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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