Careers: Police/career choice

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Expert: - 1/5/2007


Question
I just recently graduated from UVA with a BA in Psychology, but I've been considering a career in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement. I was wondering if you know of any options that someone with my degree would have in the field? I would like to put off graduate school (because I'm still unsure of exactly what I want to do) and possibly find a job to get my foot in the door and a better feel of the field. I feel like there are a lot of opportunities out there but I don't know where to begin when all I qualify for is an entry level position and a major that doesn't seem too related. Thank you for your time, and I'd appreciate any input you have.

Marina

Answer
Marina,

  The last thing on earth that I would consider myself is a career counseleor.  It has been my observation that many jobs in the law enforcement field are not picky about what a persons degree is in.  In fact one of the most successful detectives I ever worked with had a degree in music.  You could probably qualify for an entry level position as a parole or probation officer, certainly a police officer, and a counseleor at juvenile detention type places.  But none of these positons pay much except for police officer which can be over $40,000 on a suburban or big city department.  But I am not sure you want to do something like that especially since you have mentioned graduate school.  Police departments don't like to hear that a new officer is there just for a few years before they walk off to graduate school.

   So what is my advice?  Do ride-alongs, talk to people in the parole and probation field (in person), visit juvenile holding facilities and see what goes on, etc.

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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