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Question
Ah ok. Thank you. Because in Australia we have national standards I assumed other countries would. My mistake. The reason I am looking to work in America, is because I am interested in working in Homicide. Not because of TV, as I know that the career is nothing like TV. The reason I'm interested in America, is because there is a somewhat broader career path. Also my grandfathers' brother was unfortunately murdered in America, and they never found who was responsible. I have felt drawn to the career since then, and although I know, that it's not like tv where i go over and miraculously find the killer, I feel compelled to work there, as if catching at least a few more murderers in that country will make up for the fact that my great uncle's killer could not be found.
I don't recall what your original question was because you didn't use the followup feature but I think that you were inquiring about becoming a detective in the United States.
The first thing that you need to worry about is becoming a citizen of the United States. Now consider this. Only about 10% of those who apply to become police officers in this country are actually hired. So if you are going to give up your citizenship in Australia, go through all of the steps to become a citizen of this country, you still will have a big hurdle to cross before you would be hired. Assuming that you are hired by some police department you will spend many years on the street as a uniformed police officer before you would ever have the skills necessary to become a detective.
You are correct about your assumptions about detective work. Most of the time is spent on paperwork, going to court, and investigating natural deaths. If television showed what a homicide detective really does in real life then no one would watch because it would be too boring.
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Answers by Expert:
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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