You are here:

Careers: Police/homicide detective question

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/29/2011


Question
Dear Jack,
My question concerns the plausibility of a story I read. Is it at all possible that a homicide detective (or a detective in a violent crimes department) will be assigned a homicide case that involves the shooting of his own son (among other victims)? If it is not likely that he will be given a case that is personally connected to him, can he be involved in the case in some other, lesser capacity?
Thank you for your help!
David

Answer
David,

No that would never happen.  Most likely he would be on bereavement leave for awhile and then when he came back to work he would continue to work his other cases.  His supervisors and the prosecutor would not want him to have anything to do with his son's case because it could (and probably would be) argued in court by the defense (if there was an arrest)  that his connection with the case would taint any evidence.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.