You are here:

Careers: Police/forensic detective

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/16/2004


Question
I am from South Africa. Finished school last year. I am busy studying investigation of crime, police practice at a technicon. I have seen medical/forensic detectives on tv and its really interesting. I want to do something like that. Solving murders etc but not just a normal detective. At the moment i am a constable (reserve) at our local police station.

Can you give me advise what to do where to go etc please

marius

Answer
Hello Marius

   First of all do NOT belive what you see on American tv or the movies.  They are purely fiction.  I understand that there is a tv show where forensic detectives go out onto the street and solve crime.  That would never happen in real life since almost all of the forensic people are civilians and stay in the crime lab.  If it is your goal to become a police officer then you must become an American citizen and meet the requirements of the department.  If you want to be a forensic specialist then of course you need a college degree in forensics and meet all of the requirements for the positoin.

  But again.....many people are misled from what they see on television.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.