Careers: Police/Detective Work

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Expert: - 11/9/2009


Question
Hello Mr Toomey,

My name is Oliver, and I'm seventeen. Once I have left school, and after university, I am looking to join the police with the intention of becoming a detective and hopefully working the more complex cases (homicide, missing persons, robbery, etc.).

What I want to know is what I should be doing in the present that will help me with my ambitions. Are there any skills I should work on? Should I seek some sort of work experience with my local station?

Also, I am currently thinking that I will complete a bachelor of arts at university, with majors in criminology and psychology. Can you tell me; is this a good choice? Are there any particular courses which can lead to accelerated promotion?

Thank you.

(By the way, I am aware that one must spend years as a uniformed officer before being offered promotion)

Answer
Oliver,

It appears that you live in Australia.  I am afraid that I know nothing about law enforcement in your country.  I live in the United States and there is no doubt that we have different procedures, etc.

I'd suggest that you simply visit a local police station and ask to speak to a ranking officer and I am sure that he/she would be glad to answer your questions.

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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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