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Careers: Police/Police Background Check

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Expert: - 5/19/2009


Question
I am applying to become a police officer. I went for my panel interview on yesterday, May 18th. 7 years ago I recieved an entry level-conduct discharge from the Air Force after I failed to complete basic training. My mother died 2 months earlier and I was still in the grieving process and very much attached to the rest of my family members. I am currently getting a Master's in Criminal Justice and I have no prior criminal history. I have only had one speeding ticket (5 years ago) in my life. Will this effect my chances of getting hired on?

Answer
Ashley,

 I don't mean to be rude or a smart aleck but there is absolutely no way of knowing the answer to your question.  It would be like asking me if it is going to rain on July 16th.

 There are thousands of police departments, each with its own hiring standards, each with its own people making decisions, and most importantly tens of thousands of officers sitting on panel interviews.  So you see there are so many variables involved its impossible to tell you if you will get hired and what your chances are.

I can say this for sure.  Your military thing and speeding ticket will not help you.  But they probably won't hurt you.

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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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