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Question
Hello, I am currently in the interview process of becoming a police officer in the state of IL. I am wondering which one I should or which one would be "better" to use, Military preference points or College degree? Which one would look better? Most of my resume consist of my Marine Corps training but I have been told that it would look better for me if I used my education points. I have to turn one of these in by Nov. 18th. Please help.
Thanks in advance,
James
James,
The problem in answering your question is every state has a different system and it appears that Illinois obviously has a different system of hiring police officers than my state has. In my state the individual departments do the hiring and there is no such thing as "military preference" or "college preference". In my state you would obviously have both on your resume and both would be in your favor but there is no point system. The candidate is hired based on aptitude, health, education, interviews, background, etc.
I'd suggest that you consult with some kind of recruiter or police officer in your state.
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Answers by Expert:
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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