Careers: Police/Requirements

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/4/2008


Question
Hello Mr Tooney.
I am a British Police officer in the Greater Manchester Police. I am looking at moving to new york and was wondering would I be able to tranfer into the N.Y.P.D if you can help me thanks.

Answer
Dominic,

  I don't know a thing about the NYPD except what I read in the newspaper or see on television occassionaly.  But I do know that you can't simply transfer from your department to any police department in the United States.  You would have to go through the entire hiring process which could take a long time presuming that they are hiring.  

  You might have an advantage of getting hired but you would have to do what any other applicant would have to do.  Fill out an application, take a test, be interviewed, have a background check, have more interviews, have a physical exam, pass a polygraph, and then perhaps you would be fortunate enough to be hired.

  One other problem.  Most police departments in the United States require applicants to be citizens of the United States.  I would certainly check with the NYPD before you quit your job in the UK.

  Funny thing that you should be writing.  I was just telling someone a story about your department the other day.  About twenty years ago I had a case where the daughter of a Manchester Police Inspector was beaten up in a fast food joint at about 2am by two drunks.  Luckily someone got their tag number and I was able to charge both with assault and battery and other crimes.  When the Inspector came to the United States for a visit to see his daughter he gave me a bobby's helment and a night stick.  I have no idea what his name was but it was in the mid-1980's.  I have the helmet in my living room.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.