Careers: Police/Police Work

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Expert: - 4/30/2009


Question
In my high school, we have a program called Law and Public Safety Academy (LPSA). It is run by one of our two resource officers. Because of this Academy, I am highly influenced by our Officer to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. My only question is, how does the work affect you? Are you more aware of everything? And do things "haunt" you after you work a case? Just some quick questions for future reference, if I were to become a police officer.

Answer
Haley,

 I am retired but you never lose your instincts that developed during your career.  For instance today I see things that neighbors would never think suspicious or if I am out and about I might see something in a store that I know is not right.  So yes I am aware of things going on around me.

I am not sure what you mean by "work effecting" me but nothing really affected me expect for the hours when we worked shifts and had to double back from evening work to day work.  Being called out on a homicide and working 40 or 48 hours would be rather tiring but that is about it.

Nothing ever haunted me after a case.  If someone says that they are bothered by what the find or see at a crime scene then they are in the wrong line or work.  I occassionaly get calls from detectives about old cases that were left unsolved so if anything "haunts" me is the thought that someone is still working on an unsolved major case.  So I guess that is a "good haunt".

I wish you success.

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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