Careers: Police/undercover cop

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Expert: - 12/15/2009


Question
hi im marquise session i am in the 11 grade we are doing something in speech its about what do u wont to be when u grow up i picked undercover cop i wont to know how many hours do u have to have in a class room and how many years do u have to have in college and the awards and the problems of becomeing  a undercover cop

Answer
The problem with answering a question like this is that most people are not aware that we have thousands of police departments and each one has its own rules, requirements, and standards.  So what might be true on Department #A is not true on Department #B and so on.

Generally to work undercover an officer should have been in uniform as a patrol officer for at least five years.  Maybe more.  There is no way that someone comes straight off the street and works undercover.   There is too much to learn beforehand.

I would have to direct you to my original statement about the difference in departments when it comes to education.  I don't know what you mean by "the awards and problems of becoming an undercover"  Please reword that part and send me a follow up.

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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