Careers: Police/Police Career

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Expert: - 11/10/2006


Question
When I was 22 I recieved a DUI charge I got a lawyer who advised me to take a program in pennsylvania called A.R.D which is if you complete a probationary period your record is expunged. I am a college graduate in criminology and have no other incidents on my record not even any speeding tickets other that that one dui, and I want to become a police officer someday I hate for one bad decision, one night to effect my life forever but do you think it is possible to become a police officer anywhere in the country with the expungment on my record?

Answer
Chuck,

   I can't possibly tell you if your DUI arrest is going to affect your goal of becoming a police officer because every department in the country (it seems) has different standards.  On one department it might be an automatic disqualifer and yet on a department next door it might not be.  However I would advise you to tell the truth when asked if you ever have been arrested (because you were) because you will fail the lie detector that comes later and they will find out anyway.

   As I said don't lose all hope.  You will find work as a police officer somewhere if you don't obsess about this.

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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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