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Careers: Police/age limitations
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Question
Hello, my wife is currently enrolled in a criminal justice program to obtain her associates degree. She has worked in the security field for approximately 6 years. My question is this, she wants to know what type of career she has to look forward to upon graduation because of her age. My wife is 57 years old and considering changing majors in college because of all the limitations on age for careers in law enforcement. Can you please help us and let us know if there is any potential future for her in law enforcement at her age. Thank you
Even there are laws about age discrimination I cannot see her being hired as a police officer. Policing is a young person's game and even if she was hired she would be 60 years old before she got onto the streets as a uniformed patrol officer. There would be no way for her to keep up with the pace of the job.
I'd suggest changing majors.
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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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