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Question
Hi, My name is Lauren. I have been interested in Law Enforcement for quite some time, and i just had a few questions about it:
What is the salary of a police officer?
What kind of work schedule do you normally have?
What type of educational skills are necessary?
What are the benefits of the Police Officer Career?
If you could get back to me as soon as possible..that would be really great. Thanks again
Lauren:
Sorry for the delay, been working doubles the past few days, some of the other cops are on leave. On to the questions:
What is the salary of a police officer? It depends on the department you work for. I make about 32,000 a year, and I work for a small department. Also depends on the area of the country.
What kind of work schedule do you normally have? I work 4 days on, 4 days off for a month, then work 5 days on, 3 days off the next month. My shift rotates from daywork (7-5) to evenings (3-1). Once every six months, I pull a month of midwatch (9-7). Also, the shifts are 10 hours long.
What type of educational skills are necessary?
All departments require a HS Diploma; some want you to have an AA degree.
What are the benefits of the Police Officer Career?
The ability to know you actually did something with your life, instead of sitting on your butt for 30 or 40 years pushing paper.
Good 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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