Careers: Police/what it takes?

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Expert: - 1/21/2010


Question
Hi. im 16 years old and would love to work on swat.I love firearms since a little boy.I know i would have to make a few sacrfices but if i do i know that it will change my life. but i dont have a wealthy family to pay for things that may neccesary to reach my goal. well my question is simply is what i need, and what i have to do to work on swat?  

Answer
Eddy,

I am not sure what wealth has to do with a career in law enforcement.  In fact it has nothing to do with money.  

You might not be aware that SWAT is nothing like you see on television or in the movies.  On many departments SWAT is a part time position and the officers are uniformed patrol officers who work the street and then respond to SWAT situations as needed.

Having a love for firearms is a bit tricky.  I have never heard someone say that.  Police officers almost never use their guns in their entire career so if you are looking for a career where firearms are a big part of it I am sorry to disappoint you but have chosen the wrong career.

In the meantime graduate from high school with a near perfect attendance record, a high GPA. a perfect disciplinary record and then go on to college and see where you are when you are 21 or 22.

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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