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Careers: Police/Police officer backround
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Question
Hi, i'm wondering if i can be a police officer in the next few year, im a senior in high school. My problem is my driving record, i have a careless driving (Lost my license for it as i was under 18) and an exhibition driving (License suspended because i went over the point system shortly after i turned 18) Im wondering if i still have a chance of getting hired ect.If not id like to know so i can plan something else out, i learned my lesson from those two incidents. I also have had a one or 2 speeding tickets (very far apart) and none where like tripling the speed limit just 10 miles or so over. So, with that kind of record could i pass the tests and even so would i be able to get hired?
Dayton,
Your first chance of applying for any police department is at least three years away. In addition you need to know that there are no national standards for hiring police departments. Every department operates differently and has different hiring standards.
Your poor driving record is certainly not going to help you in three years assuming that you are 18 now.
The best that I can do for you is to tell you that you had better not even get stopped by the police let alone get another ticket. I am wondering if you realize that the average motorist gets stopped TWICE in their entire life? You have obviously exceeded that by X 5. Not exactly the kind of applicant that a police department is looking for.
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Answers by Expert:
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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