Careers: Police/"desk" job

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Expert: - 5/1/2007


Question
QUESTION: If someone such as detective was injured while on the job so that they were physically impaired (had to walk with a cane for example) what kind of work would be available to that person?

Supposing it was a large city with a variety of specialized units such as homicide or faud, would it be feasible for them to maintain some type of field work or would that be entirely up to his or her superior's discretion?
ANSWER: Andrew,

   Would this be a temporary disability or a permanent disablity that you are talking about?  It would make a big difference.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This would be a permanent disability.  I wasn't sure if it was realistic to expect they could still be assigned "in the field" work depending on the types of cases or if a desk job was more likely.

Answer
Andrew,

   If an officer had a permanent disability he would be retired on disablity and be paid a certain percentage of his salary (tax free) for the rest of his life.  On my department the figure was 66.7.  I am pretty sure that this would apply to most departments in the country.  You wouldn't see an officer with a cane.  He has to be able to perform his duties and that is why they retire officers on disability.  

  Now you could write that the officer refused a disability retirement, which can happen, and the officer could work "inside" doing research, computer work, handling phone complaints, etc, but the department would have to let that happen.  

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

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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.

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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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