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Hi, I'm Kristi and I'm in the 11th grade. I know that TV detective work is not similar as real life, but I like the idea that SVU detective work is based on. My senior year of high school is coming up, and I would like to have an idea on what kind of courses I should be taking for this career field. Any suggestions?
Kristi,
I am happy that you realize that television does not depict police work as it happens in the real world. You might be surprised to know that in real life there is no SVU detective units as you see on television. Television made up the show so it would be exciting and people would tune in to watch thus boosting their ratings.
I am not saying that detectives do not do some of the things that you see on television but no unit focuses completely on victims. There is simply not enough time in the day to do that. Detectives working on their cases try to help prior victims.
You should have a college degree if you want to go into police work. As you probably know you will have to spend years in patrol as a uniformed police officer before you would ever be experienced enough to go into detective work. It really does not matter what you take in high school although if your school offers forensic science and/or law classes that would be helpful. Also get involved in mock trial if you aren't already.
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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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