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Expert: - 3/20/2011


Question
Hello Mr. Toomey,
Im currently living in Asia, supporting my husband while he finishes his studies.  We will be moving back to the states in about a year, and I am planning to apply to become a police officer, and I hope to ultimately become a canine officer.  I currently have a general studies associates degree and Im considering getting an online bachelors in criminal justice before going back home.  My question is, is a bachelors degree going to be useful enough to make it worthwhile?  Am I better off spending the year focusing on languages (I study both Japanese and Chinese) or is there some other study or preparation I can get started on from Japan?
Thank you for your time and any advice you can offer.

Answer
Shelly,

Most police departments require at least 60 college credits these days.  But in this job market a bachelors degree would help your cause since there are thousands of people applying for some of the bigger departments.

Sorry but I am not aware of any courses that you can take in or from Japan.

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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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