Careers: Police/getting shot

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Expert: - 8/29/2010


Question
I am toying with the idea of being a police officer--I want
to have a job that helps people, has flexible hours, and
allows me to use a wide range of skills from writing, to
interpersonal skills, and maybe even allows me to move
around a lot haha.

However, I am a scaredy-cat. I also have a deathly fear of
being shot or stabbed or dying. Yes, this can happen in any
career... but it's more likely as a police officer. I kind
of have anxiety issues. Is there a career in law or police
work for me?

Answer
Kass,

I am afraid that police work is not for you.  At the academy there will be scenario after scenario where you will be in simulated combat situations.  If you graduate you will be on the street for years and every day you will have calls where you will have to walk into pitch black alleys, dark houses, and other places where there might be an assailant hiding.  If you are afraid of this kind of thing you will never function as a police officer.

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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