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Careers: Police/A career in law enforcement

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Expert: - 1/16/2010


Question
Hi. I am 21 yrs of age and I am intersted in becoming either a police officer, state trooper, or deputy sheriff. I would like to work in the charleston, berkley counties area in south carolina. WHat do I have to do to get in the field.  

Answer
Bud,

I don't live anywhere near South Carolina so I can't tell you what that state requires.  But its likely that its like any other state where the individual departments set their own hiring standards.

I'd suggest that you have a degree to enhance your chances of getting hired although it is probably not required.  Of course you should have a clean traffic and criminal record and be prepared for an extensive background investigation and be able to pass a polygraph.  You should also have a great command of the language and be able to express yourself well in oral interviews.

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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