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Question
Hello Mr. Toomey. My name is Andrew and I am a Combat Engineer in the Army. Currently serving in Iraq. I recently started online courses to get my Associates in Criminal Justice. I want to pursue my career in law enforcement when I get out of the service as a Narcotics Agent or Undercover. Can I do that specific job or is that a special assignment? And do you have to have a degree for that job? I hope you understand my question. I'm not the best at putting things on paper sorry. Just want to do whatever I can before I get out of the Army. Thanks for your time.
Andrew,
This is a subject that comes up over and over. There are thousands of police departments in this country from the smallest three man departments to the ones with thousnds of officers. Every single one has its own hiring standards and operate differently. Thus one department might require high school for employment, most require some college, many require an AA degree, while a few require a bachelors degree. So there is no real answer to your question about education.
However you may not be aware that no one goes straight into narcotics or undercover work without working the street for many years. It would not be possible to know the skills that are necessary and the only place to learn them is on the street.
I would definitely get at least an AA degree because if you do get hired your department might require that kind of education for any kind of special assignment. A bachelors is preferable but get at least sixty hours of college under your belt.
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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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