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Question
hi there. My daughter is a huge fan of CSI shows and really wants to get involved with that career path, i know that it won't be as it seems on the TV but just how drastic are the diferences and what's the salary like.
Thanks in advance
Lilly
Lilly,
Having never watched CSI (because I don't watch police shows because they are all fake) I unederstand that CSI is about lab techs that seem to operate as real police officers and go out into the field and solve crime. Unfortunately for your daughter nothing could be farther removed from realitly. In real life there are civilian seroligists and techs who receive evidence from the police, study it, and come to a conclusion. They NEVER question suspects, make arrests, or do anything that a detective or police officer would do. Some do go to crime scenes but their function is to collect evidence. I have no idea what the pay scale would be because it would depend on what kind of lab you are talking about. A state lab, big county, FBI, small rural county, etc. All of this would factor into the pay scale for someone at the entry level. Of course you would need an advanced degree in the appropriate science.
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Answers by Expert:
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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