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Careers: Police/baker act
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Question
Dear Sir, I need to know if being committed to a mental health facility for 48 hours via the Baker Act (following a suicide threat) will prevent my 19 year old son from pursuing a law enforcement career. He is devastated by by the thought that this incident will end his dream of becoming a police officer. We would be very grateful for any information or advise that you could give us on this subject. Thank you. Dana H.
Dana,
There are thousands of police departments in this country from the largest big city departments to the smallest three man departments in small towns. Each police department has its own hiring standards. No two are the same. In other words there are no national hiring standards and thus there is no "yes" or "no" answer to your question.
I can safely tell you this. His commitment will surely not help him. But it may not hurt him with the right documentation from his doctor. Sorry but that is the best that I can do for you.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Dear Jack- Thanks so much for the very fast response. My son really needs to know that his dream still has a chance of coming true. Thank you for the hope. Dana | ||
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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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