Careers: Police/college

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Expert: - 3/25/2011


Question
QUESTION: Is it better that I'm going to college for a bachelors degree in criminal justice? Or should I have saved my money and time and have done the minimum to get into a police academy. So i guess my question is will the schooling give me a head start and pay off or will I be in the same position as those who didn't go to college?

ANSWER: Eric,

I cannot tell you what to do based on three sentences.  It could affect the rest of your life.

However I can tell you that there are a million young people now in college studying criminal justice.  Police departments do not require that degree nor are they impressed with anyone with that degree since they are a dime a dozen.

You should also know that the hiring rate nationwide is about 1 in 100 meaning that for every hundred people who apply for a position in police work only one is hired.  Some of the most impressive officers that I ever knew had degrees in such things as Education, Music, History, Political Science, etc.

I can also tell you that it is far better to have a college degree for several reasons.  The first is that in this economy anything less than a degree might not be enough in any field.  Secondly if you ever do apply for police work you will be competing with thousands of others so a degree would separate you from those who do not have degrees.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What would you recommend to help me stand out among the hundreds of other applicants to help ensure i can be chosen?

Answer
Having a stable job history, no traffic tickets, of course no criminal record of any sort, be in good physical condition, be well-spoken, have great writing skills, be able to think on your feet, have a very good credit history, and not have any history of excessive drinking or drug use.

Any of these things COULD disqualify you early in the hiring process.

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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