Careers: Police/SVU detective

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Expert: - 12/12/2008


Question
What are some of the requirements to become a detective for homicides,sex crimes, etc.?

Answer
Ashley,

  I saw a little bit of your statement when you left feedback.  Unfortuantely we cannot read the entire feedback because it runs off of the page.  I believe that you said that you were told that there are units such as "SVU".  Let me say this.  I am in constant touch with several police departments in my area.  All are over a thousand officers and one has three thousand officers.  None of these departments have such a unit.  As I said before detectives do some of the work as depicted on television but they do it while investigating other cases.  They do not and cannot possibly devote all of their time to handling or dealing with victims.  They would have no time to investigate new cases which come in daily.

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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