Careers: Police/Book help

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Expert: - 6/2/2005


Question
Hi

Basically, i want to make the book as realistic as i can while keeping the tension in there.

Is there anything in the breif that you'd change firstly? I may need some help on the working relationship between officers.

Thanks

Syd

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Followup To
Question -
Hi

I'm an author, who, until now has mostly written teen books. I have been asked to write a crime book by a fellow author who likes my style.

Basically, the brief that I have been given is this:

A 28 year old police women is working undercover to infiltrate a drugs gang. She is/may be hooked on coke/other drug. Once inside the gang, she manages to get enough information to prevent a huge deal, but before she can get , she is discovered to be a cop.

That's if for the brief- not really a lot to go on is it? To be honest I'm struggling a bit with this, so any and all information you can give me will be hugely appreciated.  

Many thanks for the information. Please contact me if you're unable to help or need more information.
Answer -
Hi,

    I have helped several authors with the believability of their scenarios and such so I would be glad to help.  So what kind of help do you need?  

Answer
Syd,

    I want you to understand something.  I don't write plots or do briefs for authors because I am not a writer of fiction.  I do review scenarios or situations for officers for the realistic content.  You wouldn't believe the number of authors who assume that what they see on tv or on the movies actually happens.

  So I am afraid that I can't help you with the plot or the brief but if you get to the point where you need help with believablity let me know.

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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