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Expert: - 5/10/2005


Question
  I am 18 years old and would like to start a career in law as early as i possibly can. The earliest I am hearing is 21, and that is with college hours for Fort Worth, Texas. In Arlington, Texas you have to have a four year degree. I wanted to be on patrol for a few years then eventually i wanted to go to S.W.A.T! Is there any advice you can give to help me out? Oh yeah also I have alot of visible tattoos, is that exceptable or do they first need to be removed.

Answer
Marcus:

  Age limits depend on your state. In Texas, it is 21.  You may be able to score a cadet job, though, which is basically an "in".  My suggestion is that you take lots of English, Journalism, and Creative Writing courses.  Cops do far more writing than anything else, and this will help you considerably.  I, personally,wouldn't waste time with a CJ degree, go for something else instead, that you can use outside of the PD.  English, Law, etc.  Keep in shape, and stay out of trouble (that sounds dumb, but you'd be surprised).

 Some departments will not hire a person with visible tattoos if you have "alot" of them.  I can tell you it will cause you problems even if they do;  I'd look into getting them removed.

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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