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Careers: Police/becoming a police officer.

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Expert: - 5/10/2009


Question
I'm 21 years old and currently in the U.S. Army. My contract will be up in about 6 months and i was wondering if it would be a smooth transaction to go from military to police. if so would my military experence advance me at all in that career?

Answer
Scott,

  Your military service would certainly not hurt you during your application and the hiring process that follows.  But it doesn't guarantee a job in police work.  There are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards.  I am not saying that you are in this category but so many of the people who ask me questions in this category believe that they can step right into the job of police officer without any trouble.

  A lot has to do with apptitude for police work and not a lot of people have it.  I have seen figures that suggest that only about 15% of those who apply to various police departments are actually hired.  The others lose interest or wash out during the hiring process.  Unfortuately many people think that it is like applying for a job at Walmart where virtually everyone is hired.  

  So an easy way to answer your question is to say that your military service will not hurt you but it might not help you.

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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