Careers: Police/how to begin

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Expert: - 8/10/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi, my name is omar and i have been wanting to become a police officer for a long time but i don't know how to get started. And  what should i do to have an advantage over all the other applicants. I hope you can help me out.

ANSWER: Well there are some questions that I have to ask you first.  How old are you?  What is your highest level of education?  Are you a citizen of the United States?

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QUESTION: i am 17 (18 on September) i just graduated high school 2 months ago, and yes i am a US citizen

ANSWER: Ok.  You are really never going to have an advantage over "all" of the applicants but you can help your own cause by getting an education.  By now I am hoping that you have been accepted by a college and are about to start school.  It does not matter what your major is.  What is important is that you earn a college degree.  Only about 10% of those who apply for any given police department actually get hired because there is a long and drawn out hiring process that comes after your application.  Many applicants wash out and others lose interest.  Most applicants are simply not qualified to be police officers.  The background investigation is thorough and the aptitude test removes many applicants.  Oral interviews, writing samples, more interviews, the polygraph, and physical takes care of the rest.  So per chance that you do not get hired you will have your degree to fall back on.

In four years, after you graduate from college, you will be 21 and eligible to apply for the department of your choice.  So if you have any more questions please let me know.

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QUESTION: what about if i get a associates degree (2 year degree) in criminal justice, do you think that would help.

Answer
Yes it would help but why stop after getting your AA?  You would still have two years before a police department would accept your application.  I understand that every young person is certain that they are going to get hired because they believe that they are qualified to be a police officer and that is understandable.  But the fact remains is that very few applicants are qualified.  So why not get your degree for two reasons?  You will be much more attractive applicant with a degree.  If you don't get hired you will have a degree which will help you in other fields.

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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