Careers: Police/sworn officers

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Expert: - 11/20/2009


Question
What do sworn officers do? What weapons are they able to have?

Answer
Hello Students,

This is an extremely broad question.  I could probably be here for two hours typing all of the things that a police officer may do in the course of a workday.  I also could probably give you a very long list of weapons that officers may or may not carry.  

Generally an officer is responsible for responding to radio calls for service, doing preventative patrol, enforcing laws where citizens have made complaints, investigating crime, enforcing traffic laws, assisting motorists who might be broken down, testifying in court, helping other officers, and about five hundred other things.

Weapons?  Depends on the police department.  Department issued service weapon, shotgun (if qualified), taser, night stick, are just a few of the weapons at an officers disposal.

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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