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Careers: Police/Becoming a police Officer
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Question
I'm 17 right now, in my last year of high school, and I will be turning 18 in May. I am at a stand still right now on what to do; Join the Army and become an Army MP, or go from high school straight to a Police Academy? I don't really know how to become a police officer; Since I was little, I have always wanted to become an officer, and as I grew older, that dream changed into becoming a SWAT Team member. I do know that one must be an officer for some odd years before he can apply for a Team, but what if I were an Army MP for those years? Could I just come back to civilization and apply for a Team? Or do I have to be a patrol officer and do those same years I could've been doing? Thanks :)
Chan,
Everyone who begins a career in police work has to spend at least several years on the street as a uniformed officer before they ever would be allowed to apply to a specialized unit. It does not matter what your MOS was in the Army. Being an MP and a police officer are not the same. I also should tell you that if you are getting your ideas about SWAT from television then you might want to rethink your career choice. The televised version of SWAT and the real world version are completely different.
I also should tell you that without a college degree you stand little chance of being hired by a police department. Right now many if not most applicants have degrees. If you were to apply to a police department with only a high school diploma who do you think would get hired?
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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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