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Careers: Police/Others Doubting My Career Choice

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Expert: - 5/24/2009


Question
After giving it years of thought, I've decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.
I am currently majoring in Criminal Justice, starting classes at a community college in the fall.
I've started to voice my interest in this career to others/family/friends mainly-and some of them are making fun of me for it.
I'm a 25 year old female. I take such an interest in this line of work and believe that I can do this. I suppose self esteem and assurance in myself is all I need but, why do they doubt that I can do this?

It has taken me years to figure out what I want to do. That is why it has taken me so long to get through college.

So, what is it that will let me know that this is what I want? Do I just ignore what others say when they doubt me?

Answer
Andrea,

There seems to be thousands of people who all of a sudden think that they need to have a degree in criminal justice in order to be hired by a police department.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  You do what you want but having a degree is what police departments are looking for.   

The real classroom is on the street.  That is where you learn instinct, the ability to know who is lying and who isn't, what is suspicious and what isn't and hundred of other things that the general public has no idea about.  

I have no idea when you will realize what you want to do but I suspect it won't be until you are in the police academy and are subjected to a para-military envioroment.  

Sorry that I could not give you a better answer but I don't know you and don't know what your friends see that make them act that way.


How in the world do you expect me to know why your friends laugh at you or doubt you?  How do you expect me to know when you will "know"?
I am not a mind reader.

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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