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Careers: Police/volunteering for investigations

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Expert: - 9/2/2009


Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,

How does a retired old head volunteer to investigate cold cases or the like? I have no clue where to start, and it seems a shame not to help others. I miss that so much.

I am near Houston, Texas.

Respectfully,

Lea

ANSWER: Do you have previous experience as an investigator?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, Sir. 18 years. Investigations, crime scene, a great knack for talking to people, instincts and thinking outside the box. I have such a passion for solving things. (Grab on like a pit bull)

Thank you for answering me, I would so like to continue to help people.  

Answer
Well my first reaction would be to suggest that you simply go back to your old department and tell them that you are interested in helping out in investigating cold cases.  I am sure that they would be happy to have you.  There surely are people around who remember you.

If you have moved and are not anywhere near your old department then you are going to have to convince the nearest major police department that you have experience in doing what you want to do.  If that is the case I'd suggest a telephone call to the major crimes unit to see if they even have a cold case unit (most large departments do) and tell them of your offer.  In the meantime I'd be getting a letter of recommendation from your old department that would probably be eventually needed since anyone could walk in the door and claim that they are a retired investigator.

I know that on my department there is a four man cold case squad.  One of the members is a retired detective (from the same department) who drives seventy miles one way twice a week to volunteer his services.  

If they are not interested in your offer there are a multitude of jobs that on most major departments that are staffed by volunteers.  Many departments could not operate without volunteers.  Once you get your foot in the door you can always ask to do something else.

Careers: Police

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Volunteer

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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