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Question
hi. i would like to start something like what you do. eg:swat.
what subjects should i take to be quaified.
thanx
Matthew,
I was never in SWAT and very few officers want to be because of the irregular working hours but I will give you some tips.
No one becomes a SWAT officer right out of the police academy. First you spend many years on the street as a uniformed officer leaning all of the skills that are necessary to become a succesful officer and later to be effective in SWAT. It does not make a difference at all about what courses that you take in college (I am assuming you mean college). What is important is that you get a degree because your chance for advancement will be greater. And lastly do not form an impression about SWAT from what you see on tv or the movies. Always count on the fact that NOTHING that you see on tv regarding police work is realistic.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 9 |
| Comment | Thanxs. I knew about becoming a police officer frst and all that. I also no that movies are nothing like reality. But thanxs anyway | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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