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Careers: Police/Should I take AP classes?

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Expert: - 1/6/2009


Question
Hello right now I am a sophmore in high school taking just regular classes. I was wondering how much taking advance placement classes would help me and my goal to become a detective and whether they were neccessary. I go to school in Weslaco, TX so the curriculum down here is...poor comapared to schools up norht and since I plan to move up north sometime soon I'm not sure whether I should or not. Your answer is much appreciated. - James Pyon

Answer
James,

Don't worry about the lack of advanced placement classes.  The last thing in the world that a police department is going to consider is what kind of classes that you took in high school unless you were in a vocational program or something.  (there is nothing wrong with vocational programs but its not a good sign to a prospective employer except for the trades).  

What does matter is that your high school career was free of disciplinary matters and that your grades were good and that you graduated.  When you are of age, 21 or above, presuming that you get by the first few stages of the hiring process for a police department, your background investigation will include a visit and/or interviews with teachers at your high school.  I hope that you realize that you don't go straight to detective from high school.  You will be in uniform for at least five to ten years before you would ever be considered for detective.  You would be surprised about how many kids do not know this.

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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