Careers: Police/police officer

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Expert: - 2/25/2008


Question
Hello Jack,

My name is Madison. I was wondering, do u have to be a certain height to be an officer? Cause im only 5 "ft" 1 and i weigh 85 pounds...so do u think that'll be a problem? And, what is a typical day for a police officer? THANX so much for you time =D.

Answer
Hello Madison,

  Federal laws were passed quite awhile ago that prohibit a police department or fire department from discrimintating against someone because of height, weight, etc.  But your problem is not going to be with your height and weight but your ability to perform the physical requirements required for a police officer.  The police academy is quite strenuous and police departments try to weed out the people who are unfit or unable to keep up with the requirements during a physical exam that is done in the early part of the hiring process. Then if you are hired you are required to do all kinds of very difficult tasks in the academy that require physical strength.

 There is really no typical day for a police officer.  Every day is different and it really does me no good in trying to describe a typical day.  What you probably should do is go on a series of ride-alongs with your local police department to give you an idea what you are getting into.

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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