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Question
I am 24 years old and currently attending a university to receive my bachelors degree in social and criminal justice as well as for forensic analysis. I am really wanting to become a detective in sex crimes or child abduction cases but the ton I live in does not have a sex crimes unit and only has one detective for each necessary matter which consists of I believe 5 total. I am considering moving somewhere were there is a sex crimes unit but I don't know what states offer that unit or have that unit besides New York and I want to be able to look at all the possibilities before I make a finale decision as to were I want to go. would know of what states currently have the sex crimes unit? If you really help out with some kind of direction for me to go in I would be very grateful and thankful to you.
sincerely,
Rebecca
Rebecca,
All large departments have specialized units for all types of crimes. By "large" I mean 1000 or more sworn officers. However I hope that you realize that no one goes straight into a specialized unit like this. Assuming that you do get hired by a police department (the chances are small due to the huge number of applicants) you go to the police academy and upon graduation you are assigned to a precinct or district station where you would work in patrol as a uniformed officer for many years before you would have the experience to become a detective. If an opening happened you would apply just like you would for any other job. You would be competing against all other applicants and your performance on the street plus your supervisors recommendation would decide who is picked. Then if you did well as a precinct detective the same process would repeat itself when an opening in the sex crimes unit happened.
So we are talking about 8 - 10 years down the road.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I apreciate your answer to my question it was very helpful and gave me an insite knowledge as to were to begin. I do understand it will take time in which I am ready for I want to make sure I have all the experience that is nesassary for that field. I am very grateful for your response and I will remember your answer in future references as I am looking into my career. | ||
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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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