AboutJack 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.
Question My BF wants to become a cop and has started a criminal justice program. He had some problems with the law as a 17yr old and maybe 18 as well. He is now 30 and has been in the navy until Aug 05. Will those problems 10+yrs ago keep him from being a policeman now?
Answer Janet,
There are eighteen thousand police agencies in this country and every single one has its own hiring standards so I can't possibly tell you that he will or won't get hired.
"had some problems with the law" doesn't tell me much because that could range from armed robbery to toilet papering someone's house. So on one department they might be willing to overlook a minor arrest for an outstanding candidate while another department might automatically disqualify him. So he won't know until he applies.
