Careers: Police/Can i be hired?

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Expert: - 2/25/2009


Question
I am 16 years old, and i really want to be a police officer. In the past, i
smoked marajuana twice, and stole a few times. I was never caught, so i
have no record. But i know that they do i a lie detector test, so i would have
to come clean. Would i still be hired?

Answer
Matt,

  You are a long way from being at the stage where you can apply to be a police officer.  The things that you do in the next several years will be the most important.  However your episodes of stealing are the most troublesome.  They will not come up on the polygraph unless you do not tell your background investigator about them first.  If he feels that they are not serious then the polygraph is not an issue.  If you are not honest then you will fail the polygraph.

 In the meantime maintain a perfect attendance and disciplinary record and maintain good grades and then prepare for college.


  There is no way to predict if you will ever be hired because there are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards.

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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