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Question
I am 21yrs old and currently serving in Iraq on my second tour. I am an 11B Infantryman and I believe I am ready to leave the military and possibly look into law enforcement. I have heard that with time in the military with a combat job that it would be easier for me to join. I would like to know if that is true and if so what would I have to do to start the process for applying.
Austin,
Your military service will certainly not hurt your chances. But it does not necessarily help you.
Many departments now require at least 60 hours of college before you can apply so I would take care of that after you get out. Don't stop at 60 because a degree will certainly help your chances. In this recession most if not all applicants who stand a chance of being hired hold college degrees. If you just have high school, and the department does only require high school, you will be competing with a whole lot of people with more impressive backgrounds.
Right now there is little that you can do. I am not aware of any police departments that accept online applications. So when you get out enroll in college, get at least 60 credit hours, and then apply. But a degree is best.
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Answers by Expert:
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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