Careers: Police/Career Change

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Expert: - 4/11/2011


Question
I am a 34Yr old Latino Male; currently I am an Operations Manager for a major mailing company. Been in that business for 18yrs, in management for 14yrs, the building I manage has more than 130 employees. So I can work with people well. To get a truthful answer I want to be truthful as well. In my young life I was involved in a gang, no arrest record. I have had tickets such as one for open container in public, once driving without a seatbelt, once tailgating, that I recall. Because I started working at an early age I did not graduate high school, I do want to get my GED but wondered if I can still get in the LAPD. I am the type of person that likes it when every day is different, always on my toes, making quick decisions. I have a family and i am looking at doing something I can be proud off and help my community. Hard to believe because of my childhood decisions but having a family changes things and puts life in perspective. Your truthful answers will be appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Bernardo,

I can't possibly give you a "yes" or "no" answer for any police department in this country.  The reason is that every department has its own hiring standards.  I really don't know anything about the LAPD except what I see on television.  In fact I've never been to California.

I can tell you that you are wasting your time if you do not have a high school diploma.  So get that taken care of first.  As far as your gang affiliation I know that for MY department (which is certainly not as big as the LAPD) that would be a disqualifier.  But my guess is that in Los Angeles a lot of applicants have been in your shoes.

So what is the answer?  Get your GED and then apply for the department and see what happens.

Here is some information that should help you.

http://www.joinlapd.com/qualifications.html

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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