You are here:

Careers: Police/Career as a Police Officer

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/27/2010


Question
Hi, I just wanted to know if i am already a police officer in another country and have an intrest in joining the police force in the U.S how do i go about doing same. I am presently a full time Police Officer in the Bahamas employed graciously for seven years with several certificates in training..how do i go about it

Answer
Unlike many other countries we do not have a national police force.  We have at least several thousands police departments from the smallest three-man departments to the NYPD with 38,000 officers.  Each has its own standards and hiring requirements.

I can tell you that you have to be a United States citizen to be a police officer in this country.  That is a fairly long process.  That is what you need to concentrate on first.  Once you become a citizen then you can investigate how to be hired as a police officer.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.