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Careers: Police/Police/Detective Work

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Expert: - 2/18/2011


Question
I am 50 years old have always wanted to do something in the line of police/detective/criminal field. Is it to late for me?  I am in good physical shape if that helps.  Thank you.

Answer
Maureen,

I would be the last person to tell you that it is too late to get into police work but you have to understand what goes with this decision.  

You are going to have to get hired by a police department first.  You will be competing with applicants who are anywhere from 21 to 30 years old.  There is usually a rigorous physical test and exam early in the hiring process.  Assuming that you do get hired and go on to the police academy you will be competing with the same age group.  Once you get on the street you will be a uniformed officer for at least several years.  That would mean that you would be working the streets at 55 years old.  Keep in mind that you will be probably working shift work which causes a great deal of stress on the body and mind.  I have never met an officer that old who was still on the street.

To get into the detective section you have to show a great deal of skill and have the recommendations of your supervisors.

This might sound like that I am discouraging you from this goal but I understand that I am being realistic.

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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