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Question
Hi Jack,
My name is Dylan and I just recently moved to McKinney, TX from Monroe, MI. I have been interested in a career in law enforcement since my early high school days and would now like to pursue that career. I graduated high school in June of 2009 and have not been able to attend any college. Now that I moved out of state, I cannot afford out of state tuition at the time. So to my question...I am trying to find away to get started in the law enforcement career and get my foot in the door and maybe get some help with college down the road. If there is anyway you can give me some advice and know of any ways to do so, I would greatly appreciate it. I am so excited about getting headed in the direction I need to, to become a police officer. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate you taking the time.
Sincerely,
Dylan
Dylan,
It is fairly easy to apply for a position in law enforcement but its difficult to be hired. The problem these days is that there is are many people who are applying for positions in law enforcement due to the economy. It looks like that you have moved to a state that has been hit very hard by the recession so there are probably a lot of people applying.
Since you have only high school you are going to be competing with people who have college degrees or at least AA degrees. That won't make it easy for you. But there is no sense sitting around. Make a tour of the local departments and fill out an application. If the department requires college then of course you wouldn't be eligible.
You also need to know that the hiring process can be long and tedious. Sometimes it takes over a year.
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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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