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Careers: Police/sex crime officers in Utah

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Expert: - 10/20/2010


Question
Hey I'm Alex,I am really interested in working in sex crimes. I was wondering if you have any idea if there are any units in Utah that would allow me to work in this division. I feel very strongly about this subject, and feel that something needs to be done. I would like to be part of the group who helps to stop this, and who helps to put rapists, and child abusers in jail. If there are no units strictly for sex crimes in Utah, I would also like to work with children. If you could help me with this I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
Alex,

I am sure that all police departments in Utah except for the very small ones have a sex crime unit.  I am not sure if you are asking me if you can work in one of these units immediately or after you get hired as a police officer and learn the streets first.

If you plan to become a sex crimes detective you need to apply for employment at a police department.  You must meet all of their minimum requirements and have the required education.  Then there is a long hiring process that includes an aptitude test, background investigation, oral interviews, an oral board, polygraph, etc.  By chance if you are hired you can expect to spend at least several years as a uniformed patrol officer before you would ever have enough experience to be a detective.

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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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