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Question
I wanted to ask you a question people have told me that you can get into an agency fast after you serve in the military.Is there a way that i can get in fast like if i did serve.I was thinking of in-listing in a law enforcement academy or an explorer program.Would that help me out?
Explorer programs are typically for the age group 14 - 19 so that wouldn't be for you. They are not part of the police department and it has been my experience that very few ever hired to become police officers.
I can't speak for every police department in the country but it has been my experience that no one "gets in fast". This is because that counties, cities, etc, begin recruit classes when they have enough money to pay for the class. In other words County #A might go a whole year without putting a recruit class through the academy while County #B might put a class of thirty through and then wait a few months and hire a class of fifty.
So while military experience would be on your side its not going to help you get hired any faster than the next guy.
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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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