Careers: Police/State Troopers

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/12/2004


Question
Hi Mr. Toomey! I don't know if I'm even in the right category but I'm a little clueless. I was wondering what a state trooper generally does, and I think it has something to do with the police so I decided to ask you. Sorry if I'm in the wrong category. Thank you so much for your time!
-Megan

Answer
Hello Megan,

    The duties of a state trooper varies and usually depends on the state or even the area of a state that they work in.  For example in my state and in my county the state police are entrusted with enforcing traffic laws and investigate accidents on two interstate highways.  They do not respond to calls for service in the community unless it is an accident on the interstate highway.  However in the far western part of the state and on the eastern shore the state police provide the primary law enforcement coverage.

  But I think that in most state the state police are more traffic enforcers than the real police who respond to fights, crimes, your house, etc.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.