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Question
Hi I have dreamed of working with the law enforcement, and would like to work on cases like the ones you described. I require some of your acknowledgement on what is necessary to become an investigator like you. Yes I know that what I see on television and read in books is nothing compared to real life, but i would like to help make the world a better and safer place. I'm very young, but I know that with proper training I people will really appreciate what the law enforcement does. It protects, innocent citizens from danger, and i would like to help do so.Please tell me what requirements are necessary to become an officer as you.
Hi,
I don't know how old you are but I am guessing that you are in high school. The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you have a near perfect attendance record, a perfect disciplinary record, and of course a high GPA. Be sure to get involved in sports or other extra-ciricular activities. Then go to college and get your degree. In the meantime you need to keep your record clean which means no traffic tickets and of course obeying all other laws.
Then when you are 21 you will be old enough to apply for employment in law enforcement.
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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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