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Question
I am a high school student currently a junior.I want to become a homicide detective.In my knowledge discipline and on-timeness is very important,if a high school background check were to take place will minor discipline actions and non-frequent tardies
effect my chances at my future career?
Jenevee,
Lets put it this way. If there were 201 people in the hiring pool and the police department could only hire 200 and you were the one with disciplinary problems in high school then you would be not hired assuming that the other 200 were perfect. But how often does that happen? Hardly ever. I wouldn't worry about it unless this is something serious because your definitino of "minor" and my definition might be different.
I have to add this. You are aware that only a very small fraction of the uniformed officers every become or even want to go into homicide? You will spend years on the street learning the necessary skills that you will need as a detective and then you will be in a competition with others when an opening develops. A lot of students are not aware of this so I always add it.
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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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