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Careers: Police/K-9 Unit Police Officer

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Expert: - 2/10/2010


Question
I am a Senior in High school and I would like to become a K-9 Unit Officer or help train police dogs. I would like to know what classes I would have to take & collage degress i must receive?

Answer
Kayla,

It really does not matter what classes you take or what degree you earn.  What does matter is that you maintain a high GPA in high school, have a perfect disciplinary record, and have an excellent attendance record.  In college go for any degree that interests you.

I say all of this because only about 5% of those who apply for a job in law enforcement are actually hired.  That means that the rest are washed out somewhere along the way.  Of course you realize that you will spend years and years as a uniformed patrol officer before you would ever be eligible to go into K-9.

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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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