You are here:

Careers: Police/Nolo Contender Battery

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/28/2009


Question
I am applying for a position with the DJJ as a resident officer(Jackson county) In 1996 -- my son ( age 12 at the time)was involved in a fight with a group of boys (age 12-16), I was called to the fight and broke it up, I grabbed 2 boys (age 14-15) by their shirts..and pulled then from my son, and no injuries were reported.  I was charged by SAO and I plead nolo contendere and adj was witheld. I am a retired USMC officer, I have since the incident been a children's minister, a pastor, a high school teacher and presently tutor children in their homes approved by the jackson county school board.  will this one incident negate my chances of being hired.  thank you

Answer
Fred,

I have no way of knowing whether any individual agency is going to hire you or not.  I don't mean to be smart but I have used this anaolgy before.  I would need a crystal ball to give you a "yes" or "no" answer.  My suggestion to people who ask me identical questions is to be upfront about this at the intial part of the hiring process so not to waste your time and theirs.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.