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Careers: Police/Sober 2 years, considering a change of professions

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Expert: - 5/9/2010


Question
Hello,

I'm a 38 year old male in solid physical condition who has worked in the IT profession for the past 10 years.  I am also an alcoholic who has been in recovery for the past 2 years.  During my active alcoholism, I was arrested in 2006 for second degree assault in Baltimore city.  The case was not prosecuted and the charges have been expunged. My only other concern for disqualification includes varied experimentation with illegal drugs while in college - no crack or heroin if that makes any difference.

My growth within AA and the spiritual principles of that program have lead me to consider changing careers.  Given the above, do I have any hope of a consideration as candidate for a law enforcement career?  The cutoff age for the agency I am considering is 46.  If I would not qualify now, will waiting a few more years help?

Thank you very much for your time.

John

Answer
John,

I would be the last person to try to talk you out of your goal to become a law enforcement officer.

But I think that your chances are slim.  Police departments can afford to be very selective and only hire those who have a perfectly clean record in all aspects of their lives.

But go ahead and give it a try.

Careers: Police

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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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