Careers: Police/Creers in SWAT

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Expert: - 3/24/2008


Question
Mr.Jack Senior

I am a seniour at High Volkskool South-Africa,My questions to you is,
(1) must i be a citizen of the country before i can become a police officer?
(2)If i must be a citizen first how long does it take to become one?
(3)Is there any thing that i have to do before i can become a police officer? ex. Have weapons training.
(4)What does my physical condition have to be?

Answer
Andre,

   One thing that people in other countries don't understand about the United States is that every single police department operates differently and has its own hiring standards and rules.  There is no national police force like in other countries.  So with eighteen thousand police departments from very small to very large you can count on different rules.

  Having said that I can tell you that most departments require applicants to be United States citizens.  But that doesn't mean that every single one does.  Which ones?  I have no idea because I can only tell you about my department which does require an applicant to be a citizen.  I don't know too much about become a citizen but I believe that it takes about five years for an adult.

  There is nothing that you need to do before you apply for a police department.  Weapon training is the last thing on earth that they would worry about.  But don't come running here expecting to become a police officer because a small percentage of those who apply are actually hired.

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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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