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Expert: - 7/2/2010


Question
I would like to become a police officer and I am willing to do whatever it takes to become one but here is my situation: I am 21 years old, I got a DUI when I was 18 and 19. I wont get my license back for another year. then for another year after that I need to have a interlock ignition device installed in my car.

How long will it be before I can say I was young and dumb? Will any department ever look past that?

I have been considering joining the Navy lately. It will give me some good experience for the field I want to go into and it will take up some time until my driving record heals. Do you think this is a good idea?

Any feedback/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Mike

Answer
Mike,

All I can really say is that your DUI conviction is going to hurt your chances.  Reputable police departments don't hire people with such a record especially when you have to have an interlock device.  The reason is that a police officer makes arrests and frequently has to appear in court.  If you were on the witness stand a defense attorney could destroy your credibility by bringing up your own arrest.

In no way am I saying that you will never be a police officer because every department has its own hiring standards and there are thousands of departments.

I can't comment on you joining the Navy because that is a major career choice and I am not sure what good it will do you.

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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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