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Expert: - 5/3/2004


Question
First of all hi, well im thinking about going into the lawenforcement career but im not quite sure the reason being i don't know if the money is there. Althoug it really isn't something that matters a whole lot but i do wan't to have a secure future. Will you please be sincere and tell me if you can make an above average living, working as a (example) TABACCO AND FIREARMS OFFICER?

Answer
Hello,

   The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, is a federal agency.  The salaries and benifits are set by federal law and are readily accesible on their web site.  You have to have a degree to be hired by that agency.  I can't tell ou if you "can make an above average living" because I don't know what your expectations are.  I would suggest that you get your degree and then see what is out there.

   If you are talking about becoming a police officer it depends on where you work.  On a small rural department the pay is surely not going to be as high as on a large suburban department on the east coast where the salaries tend to he higher.  But of course the competition for these jobs is intense.  

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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