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Expert: - 8/28/2010


Question
Hi Jack,

First and foremost, I thank-you for all the great advice you provide everyone on this site. I had a quick question I was hoping you could shed some light on for me. In the oral interviews, when asked questions that don’t pertain to you is it okay to follow-up with a simple "no" and maybe an explanation as to why that answer doesn’t apply?

Example - Have you committed any criminal acts in the last 5 years? I can honestly say that as much as I try and think of something, that other than some speeding (15-20 over), I haven’t done anything "criminal". What is your opinion on questions that you truly have not done or participated in what it is they are asking?

I appreciate your time for shedding some light on this.
Cory


Answer
Cory,

If the question put to you was exactly like you wrote it I think that it would take more than a "no" for an answer.  But I don't think that they would ask a question like that.  What is the applicant was 27 years old and at 21 he had been arrested for bank robbery but somehow the record of the arrest never was entered into NCIC?  There are still agencies in this country that do not contribute to NCIC.  So he would be telling the truth if he said "no" to the five years limit.

A more likely question would be "have you ever committed any serious criminal acts, not including traffic offenses,  that have gone undetected"?  

That way they can get you on the record for denying that you have committed a serious criminal offense and then when you get to the polygraph the operator will ask questions requiring "yes" or "no" answers and it could include this question.  

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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