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Careers: Police/Are there any female detectives in real life?

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Expert: - 7/24/2011


Question
HI:
I am interested in becoming part of the police or working with the police. I was wondering if there are any female detectives, and if it is hard to be one. Also, I was looking for a more realistic take on what happens in the force.
Also,(if you just happen to know) are there any other jobs that help to solve crimes? I don't want to work with a body all day, but I am ok with seeing one.
Furthermore, back to the detective part: what does it take to be one? In your experience, what traits have you seen in good detectives or police officers?
Sorry if this is a lot to ask.
Thanks so much!

Answer
Lacey,

Detectives come in all sizes, shapes, and genders.  There are no roadblocks for female police officers to eventually advance to become detectives.

You might not be aware of this but no one goes straight from the police academy to becoming a detective.  Anyone who is fortunate enough to be hired goes to the academy and then upon graduation heads to the street where he/she works as a uniformed patrol officer for years before he/she has enough experience to do detective work.

I am not aware of any detective that works "with a body all day".  If you are in a unit like homicide that investigates natural, accidental deaths, suicides, and homicides have to examine bodies.  You don't just "look" at them.

Good police officers and detectives have great writing skills, have a sixth sense, are able to talk to people, are not intimidated, have critical thinking skills, and have great powers of observation.

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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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