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Careers: Police/necesary requirements 4 becoming a police officer

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Expert: - 9/3/2008


Question
hi my name is Miguel and i am 17, a junior in high school. I am thinking of perusing a career in law enforcement, i would like to know what are the necessary requirements and prerequisites for becoming a police officer?
For example: do i have to look into taking criminal justice or criminal law in college?
are their any amount of college credits that i have to obtain as well before becoming a police officer?

Answer
Migeul,

  This is a frequent question that I get.  Most people are not aware that there are thousands of police departments in this country and every one of them has different hiring standards.  Some departments require only a high school diploma, many require an AA degree, while a few require a degree.  It really does not matter what you take in college.  What does matter is that you have maintained excellent grades in high school, had an almost perfect attendance record, had no disciplinary problems, had a spotless traffic and criminal record, and will later have good references from your teachers.  Later on when you apply for the position of police officer you will undergo a thorough background investigation where almost everyone you know or forgot you knew, will be interviewed.  You will also have a series of interviews and your writing skills will be tested.  So right now the important thing is to work on your speaking and writing skills and continue on with college.

Careers: Police

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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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