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Careers: Police/Interested in police work

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Expert: - 1/12/2010


Question
Jack,

I'm interested in police work, namely detective work.  I have an interest in helping the public, and being challenged in a way I never have before.  I know that television gives the public the wrong idea on the real world of police work, but I think I understand that.  I do enjoy some crime shows, but they are a little more realistic than most fictional shows:  The First 48, The Shift, Forensic Files.  I know that the job can involve lots of frustration, low pay, and paperwork.  But, I've still be interested in this career field, so I thought I would look into it anyway.  Is there any advice that you can give me?  I currently live in Cincinnati, but I am not opposed to moving.  I greatly appreciate your help!  

Thanks,
Teresa Miller

Answer
Teresa,

"The First 48" is probably the most realistic television show that depicts detective work.  However it does not show the down time where detectives are working on paperwork, answering phones, or going to court.  It also does not show the task that takes up a lot of the time for a detective and that is investigating natural deaths.

Many people are not aware that in order to become a detective that you would have to work as a uniformed patrol officer for many years before you would ever gain the experience needed to become a detective.

About 5% of those who apply for employment for the position of police officer are actually hired.  The rest are washed out somewhere along the way either on the aptitude test, background investigation, oral interviews, physical exam, or polygraph.  So moving really would not do you any good.  Having a college degree would be preferable also.

If you have any other questions about this please let me know.

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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