Careers: Police/Age restrictions

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Expert: - 4/27/2009


Question
Hello

I am 43 years old with a college degree.  I am
interested in a career in law enforcement.  At
my age are there any options out there?  I live
in Southern Maine, just over NH border.

Thanks for your time
David

Answer
David,

There are federal laws that prohibit discrimination in hiring based on age.  So your age alone would not disqualify you for employment.  A police department, and there are thousands, would have to consider your application.  

I am assuming that you know that if you were hired that you would have to attend the police academy.  Some of the training is rigorous and you would be competing with kids half your age.  Most academies are para-military and there is a lot of military style intimidation.  If you make it through the academy you would then be about 45 years old, adding the year long hiring process and academy time. Police work is a young man's game and you would be trained by someone at least ten years younger than you are.  And even more importantly police departments usually have 20 or 25 year retirement.  Are you wanting to be working in patrol at 65 years old?  I would doubt it.

In no way am I trying to talk you out of your interest but I am trying to be frank with you and trying to tell you what is ahead.

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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