Careers: Police/careers in CSI

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Expert: - 11/1/2006


Question
I'm a teenager with interests in law and art. I understand that crime scene investigations are not necessarily sources of artistic inspiration, but I was wondering what the job of taking photos of the crime scene was like. Disturbing? I don't doubt it. But is it challenging and decent-paying as well?
Thanks,
--Melissa

Answer
Melissa,

   I can tell by your use of the word "disturbing" that you might not like the job that you described.  Crime scene photographers take photos of street corners, car wrecks, living rooms,, people with their heads blown off, bodies that have been dead for days and days, suicide victims hanging from joists, and any number of other scenes.

   But look at it this way.  You don't just waltz in off of the street and become a crime scene photogrpaher.  You will spend many years on the street as a uniformed officer before you would ever be considered for such a job and by then you will be used to such scenes.

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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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