Careers: Police/Military Record

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Expert: - 1/24/2008


Question
QUESTION: Do police departments access (or have access) to an individuals military records in order to help conduct a background investigation?  I have a waiver regarding marijuana use with an associated explanation which I believe might strengthen my position.

ANSWER: Corey,

   A reputable police department would certainly look into someone's military service record when doing a background check on the applicant.  Would they find the marijuana incident?  I would have to say that it would depend on the police department and how thorough that they are.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your speedy reply!  

I understand that in California military time counts towards retirement as a police officer.  Is this true for any of the other states?

If not, were I to do a lateral transfer from CA to another state/agency would that military time then be null and void?

Answer
I know that my department counted my four years of military service towards my retirement.  I don't think that it is a state thing.  It is more of a thing that is negotiated in the contract between the police union and the county/city/town, etc.  I can't speak for other states because I am sure that they all have different rules, laws, etc.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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