Careers: Police/Few Questions

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Expert: - 3/13/2008


Question
Hello Mr Toomey, My name is Dawn I live in houston and I have a few questions if You would take the time to answer. My only dream now for 10 years is to become a police officer. I have been told I have to do 60 hours college first. Should I go to a college that provides criminal justice? My next question would be If I have a record in my past is it still possible to a police officer? I would think from being so long ago it would not matter. Please responed Dawn

Answer
Dawn,

   There are some police departments that require 60 college credits but there are some that only require high school.  But the more education that you have the better chance you have in being hired.  On my department only about 5% of the people who fill out applications are actually hired so I would not quit going to college just because you have sixty credits in college.  If you aren't hired, and the hiring process is long and rigorous, you would still have your degree to fall back on.  

   Taking criminal justice courses is fine but don't think that a police department is going to be terribly impressed by that when you apply.  Most of it is theory and if and when you get hired you will go to the police academy where everything you need to know will be taught and they will care less about what criminal justice classes that you took.  I want to be clear.  I am not trying talk you out of it but its not absolutely necessary.

  A "record" could mean many things.  I can't tell you that you would be hired or you wouldn't but if what ever you were arrested for is serious it certainly is not going to help you.

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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