Careers: Police/Police Career

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Expert: - 10/7/2008


Question
I am a student earning my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and want to become a Police Officer. My partner was convicted of and served time for felony attempted assault second prior to us meeting. I was told by my local police recruiter that this would come up on my background check and be considered a conflict of interest. I was told that if I were to leave my partner that it would no longer be considered. Do you know of any agencies that may consider hiring someone in my position?

Answer
Colleen,

   It is very true that many police agencies or federal agencies will hire anyone who is married to or is in a relationship with someone with a felony conviction.  It is had been that way for as long as I can remember.  I don't know about "conflict of interest" but the reason is that it leaves the prospective officer wide open for possible blackmail, associating with shady characters, other felons, etc.  Not that your situation would fit that bill but many do.  

  I don't want to get into the part about leaving your partner but if that is what you were told by that particular department then they must mean it.  But remember this.  There are thousands of police departments in this country.  Every single one has its own hiring standards.  So what might be true for one department might NOT be true for another department so asking me about other agencies wouldn't make much sense.

  
   That should read "will not hire anyone".

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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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