Careers: Police/Law Enforcement

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Expert: - 11/30/2008


Question
Mr. Toomey, I am a 24 year old male considering a career in law enforcement. My problem is that I have a less than a perfect background. I was a little wild when i was 18 and have DUI. Is it still possible to pursue law enforcement, would I get hired after school?

Answer
Paul,

  Telling me that you "were a little wild" doesn't tell me much.  Were you arrested multiple times?  Did you skip school often?  Did you spend time in jail?  And saying that you "have DUI" is a little vague.  Were you convicted?  How high was your BAC?

  Let's say this.  If you have been arrested as an adult and have been arrested for DUI and were convicted that certainly is not going to help your chances of being a police officer.  On my department these things would be automatic disqulifiers but that applies to MY department only and not necessarily to all police departments.

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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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