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Expert: - 2/25/2009


Question
QUESTION: Twenty years ago i have gotten in trouble with the law with a hand gun violation , And i was founded guilty and receive one month probation unsupervised. I'm trying to get it expunged.

ANSWER: What is your question?

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QUESTION: Twenty years ago i have gotten in trouble with the law with a hand gun violation, And was found guilty and received one month probation unsupervised. im trying to get it expunged. So i can start my career as a police officer.after i get it expunged will i be able to become a officer.

Answer
Lee,

I'd have to ask you what have you been doing for the last twenty years?  I would estimate that you are at least 38 years old or older.  Police departments do not look kindly on candidates who wait half their life before they decide that they want to be a police officer.

Having said that there are thousands of departments in this country.  Every single one has its own hiring standards.  There are NO national hiring standards for the position of police officer.  The best I can tell you about your handgun conviction is that is surely won't help you but it might not hurt you.

But in the past twenty years have you led an exempalary life?  Have you maintained a great traffic record and high credit rating?  Is the background investigation going to turn up anything wrong in your life?  These are the questions that you need to ask yourself before you apply.

In no way am I suggesting that you not apply to whatever police department that you favor.

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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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