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Careers: Police/General Information Concernin Law Enforcement

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Expert: - 10/4/2006


Question
I am a junior in high school and i am interested in becoming a Police Detective. I understand that in order to do so, you must first become a Police Officer and work your way up. What classes should I be taking in High School to help prepare me for this field of work? What type of degree will i need? How long must I work as a Police Officer before becoming a Police Detective? Any Information would be extremely helpfull. Thank you.
alex

Answer
  First of all you need to realize that a detective is a police officer.  I think that you really mean that you need to be a "uniformed officer" first before you can switch to being a detective which is correct.  You will be in uniform on the street for many years before you could even be considered for the position of detective because you would need to develop all of the skills that is necessary for the position of detective.  No one walks in off the street and becomes a detective no more than someone walking in off the street and becomeing a doctor.

   It does not matter what courses you take in high school or college.  All that matters is that you have a completely clean record including traffic because the background check when you apply for the police department is going to be very thorough.

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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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