Careers: Police/Police

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Expert: - 6/18/2008


Question
From your basic knowledge on law, do you think it is more likely I can be a police officer if I take one small dose (half pill, tiny) of anxiety pills every night, or will most departments turn me down for that reason?  and if I wanted to be in SWAT would you think they would turn me down for that reason? thanks for your time!

Answer
Clay,

  Have you asked me this before?  I had a question from someone with almost exactly the same situation.  My answer to him and it would be to you is that there are literally thousands of police departments in this country from the largest to the three man departments in rural areas.  Every single one has different hiring standards and no two are the same.  

  So for that reason there is no "yes or no" answer.  What would probably happen is that you would find out right away at the time of your application when you are asked to list the prescription medicine that you take.  When you are asked about it they COULD ask to talk to your doctor to determine if your doctor thinks that you could function as a police officer.  Now this in no way is a prediction of what WILL happen.  It is merely a predication of what COULD happen.  

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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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