Careers: Police/Detective Test

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Expert: - 6/23/2010


Question
My sister has been a DC police officer for the past four years and recently applied to become a Detective. She has passed the written test and is now awaiting for the next test date. Pardon me for not knowing the detail. I just know she is currently studying to prepare for the crime scenerio portion of the exam, which also includes a 5 minute presentation. This is where she has 5-6 minutes to verbalize her skills.

Besides sharing her accomplishments (#1 in Police Academy and arrest stats, etc), do you have any suggestions on what she should emphasize or say during her 5 minute verbal exam? Thank you

Answer
Toni,

I never knew that DC had such an involved process for getting into the detective bureau.  Sounds like a good system to me.

If its a crime scene scenario what about if she talked about crime scenes that she has processed herself or assisted other detectives in doing?  She could bring props into the room and scatter them around the room and then show the panel how she collected certain evidence.  It seems to me that panels (boards) are always impressed by "things" instead of someone just standing there and talking.

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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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