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Careers: Police/Crime Scene Unit Career

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Expert: - 5/27/2008


Question
Hi!
I was wondering if you could tell me what steps I need to take in order to work for a Crime Scene Unit.  I am a college student getting my AA in Criminal Justice.  After I complete this, should I pursue a Bachelors in Criminal Justice, or should I pursue a chemistry/biology degree? Do I even need a Bachelors?  Is the interview process the same as the interview process for a police officer?  Thank you for your time, I look forward to your answer!

Miki

Answer
Hi,

  My department used either senior officers or retired officers from other departments for their crime scene work.  The retired officers, actually civilians after they retired, were always had crime scene unit experience.

  I understand that some departments use all civilians but I cannot understand how they would have the expertise to handle cases not ever having worked on the street or as detectives.  Remember this.  Every single police department in the country operates differently even though it might be just slightly different.  That is because there are no national standards for any positon, job, rank, etc.  Sometimes I get questions from people who want to know if a certain ailment or illness would disqualify them.  Obviously that kind of question cannot be answered since every department is different.  Thus the qualificatons for a crime scene person might be different from department to department.

  I'd be the last person to give you career advice on which degree to pursue.  I have absolutely no expertise in career counseling or anything close to that.  It might be a good idea to visit the police department that you are interested in and see what they say.

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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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