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Careers: Police/how do i become a police officer and up to a homicide detective?
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Question
hello Mr. toomey. i am in eighth grade and moving on to high school and i would like to know, what courses i should take in high school to become a police officer? along with any other specific requirements that are needed. approximately how long do you belive it would take to become a homicide detective?
thank you for your time and your professional opinion.
sincerely, mikayla barlow.
You apparently live in Canada. I live in the United States and our system of hiring and qualifications is different than yours so I would be hesitant to give you the wrong information.
Since you are in eighth grade it probably does not matter what courses you take now and in high school. What does matter is that you get excellent grades, have a perfect disciplinary record, and of course not get in any trouble. Years from now when you are old enough to apply for a job with a police department they will look at your record in high school.
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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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