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Careers: Police/asking for career advice

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Expert: - 9/30/2009


Question
I am currently in the military, and am thinking of pursuing a career in the police force, my current training is 11 bravo, or infantry. would the police force be a good career choice? what are the steps to become a police officer, other than the training that you must endure that is like basic.

Answer
Michael,

I can't tell you if a career in law enforcement would be a good career for you since I know nothing about you.  You are the only person who can answer that question.

When your enlistment is up or when its close to being over I'd suggest applying for whatever department that you choose.  Its usually the department in the town, city, or county that you intend to live.  The hiring process for any reputable department is usually a long one.  It starts with a simple application form which trips many applicants up since they tend to lie on certain questions.  Then comes an aptitude test and let me assure you that not everyone has the aptitude to be a police officer.  I know that it looks easy on television but in real life it is not and these tests can weed out the unfit.  Then comes oral interviews, physical exams, a long background check, more interviews, a fitness test, and a polygraph.  About 10% of those who apply are actually hired.  Then assuming that you are hired you are sent to the police academy for approximately six months.  The police academy is not really like basic training since a great deal of the time is spent in the classroom learning law, etc.

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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