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Careers: Police/Whats a civilian officer

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Expert: - 6/24/2006


Question
Hey there. I am looking to get into law enforcement. I am 21 and I am going to college to get my criminal justice degree. My question is what is a civilian officer, I heard that I should do that while I am in school. What does the job intail. I need as much experience as I can get. I also heard it is easier to start this way, because many of the citys will not allow me to be a cop just yet, untill my driving record clears up. Should I do this, my whole dream is to start getting some years behind me, wait for an opening on a swat team, try and try to get on swat, then after a few years go into a federal law job. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Adam,

   I have never heard of the term "civilian officer".  It must be something that is unique to your state or city.

   It might be similar to the auxilliary police which are a body of people who perform some police related duties such as directing traffic and answering the phones but usually only big cities have this kind of thing.

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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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