Careers: Police/getting hired

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Expert: - 6/9/2011


Question
I am currently going through the process for the Baltimore City Police Department. I am 39 years old, have already passed the written and physical exams and have just completed the pyschological portion of the process. I have a clean criminal and driving record, have good credit and have held down my current job for over 9 years. I'm married have two children and have lived at the same residence for nearly twelve years. However, I did make some poor choices in my late teens and early twenties. As I said, I was never arrested and didn't do these things in excess, but, I still wonder if these actions of 15 to 20 years ago could come back to haunt me; as well as my age.

Answer
Kevin,

There is no way for me to give you a "yes" or "no" answer because every department has its own hiring policies and you did not mention what the "poor choices" were.  I am guessing that you mean drug use.

One thing that you need is to be truthful.  If you dance around whatever you did the experienced background guys on the city department will wash you out faster than you can think.

So to give you the best answer I can I can say that whatever these "poor choices" were they won't help you.  But they may not hurt you.

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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