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Careers: Police/what would prohibit me from law enforcement

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Expert: - 2/21/2009


Question
Hello. I am 25 and used to be a military policeman then got out on honorable discharge. Since then however I've had few troubles dealing with traffic tickets. Will me having my license revoked in the past affect me becoming an officer? I have my license now but I was just wondering what minor things could keep me from becoming a civilian officer?

Answer
Trever,

 I might as well say the same thing to you as I do to the hundreds of others who have asked me about qualifications for the position of police officer.

  There are thousands of departemtments in this country. Each department has its own hiring standards.  It is not like the army where there is one standard for hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
So I can't really give you a "yes" or "no" answer.

  I can tell you that a past history of revocation is certainly not going to help you.  But there is a chance, a slight chance, that it might not hurt you.  I can also tell you this.  On MY department (note that I said MY department) a history of traffic tickets and a revocation would be an automatic disqualifier and you would not get past the application stage.  But again.......that is MY department.

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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