Careers: Police/Criminal field

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Expert: - 7/30/2009


Question
I have about being a detective and working in the criminal field. I have a few years before I go to college and get a major or something like that. It's just my teachers are pressuring us to start thinking of a career so we can get our classes to take in high school. I wanted to be a vet but I couldn't stand the fact that i might be hurting the animal even though I was trying to fix it. I'm pretty good around blood so that's no problem. I also wanted to be a writer but i don't think thats going to go anywhere. The only thing is that I'm scared of getting shot. I mean I know you where bullet proof vests, but i mean sometimes the criminal will miss right? I'm pretty good when it comes to solving puzzles and stuff if that means anything. Anyway, my question is " Do you i would be good the criminal field, or do you know a way i can find out?" Thanks!

Answer
Amanda,

I really think that it is too early to be worrying about what your chosen field is going to be.  Its nice that your teachers are trying to steer you to the right classes but there are very few classes in high school that are really going to help you in a chosen field.  High school in general is preparation for life but it is the entire experience and not just one particular class.

I think that you are asking me if you would be "good" in the criminal field.  I don't know if you are aware of it but in order to become a detective you are going to have to be a uniformed police officer for many years before you would ever be considered for the position of detective.  A lot of kids do not know that and I think that it is because of television.

So to answer your question I have no idea if you are going to be successful in the criminal field.  Why not go on to college, figure out what your major is going to be after a year or two in college, and then decide what you are going to do.  A lot is going to change in the next six or seven years.

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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