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Careers: Police/Gender matters in police careers?

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Expert: - 10/5/2006


Question
Hello, my name is Valentina and I am 20 years old, living in Miami. Ever since I was very little I have wanted to become a police officer and work my way up to a career in homicide. My question is: does being a woman affect my chances of becoming a police officer at all? and also, is there any difference in the hiring process depending on the applicant's gender?
Thanx so much!

Answer
    There doesn't seem to be any difference in gender anymore.  In fact being a woman might work in your favor since police departments are under federal scrutiny to hire a certain percentage of minorities.  You mentioned becoming a homicide detective.  I'm sure that you are aware that you have to be on the street for a considerable amount of time as a uniformed officer before you would ever be considered for the position of homicide detective.  You would be surprised by the number of people, who ask me questions, who are under the mistaken impression that they can simply walk in off of the street and become a detective.  

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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