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Question
Hey My name is Joey and I have a few questions, well 1st off I Live in South Carolina and I
am currently in High School 10th grade and I was wondering what is the mininum
years of college that I need to become a Police Officer? and what do I do from
there after I get my Degree?
Joey,
Apparently your question was sent to the question pool and I just discovered it. You have asked about the necessary education to become a police officer. You have to understand that there are almost twenty thousand police departments in this country. Every one has its own hiring standards thus some departments might require only high school, while others require an AA degree from college (sixty credits) while a few require a college degree.
You apparently have decided to get a degree which is great. You should be at least twenty-one by then. If you are then you simply choose several police departments in your area that you might have admired or wanted to join. Then you fill out applications and wait until you are contacted. However in the meantime I would suggest that you go on a ride-along if you meet the minimum age requirement.
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Answers by Expert:
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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