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Careers: Police/Can you help me?
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Question
well actually my names afesha and I'm 13 years old and i want 2 be a SVU detective! what type of degrees do i need in college and do i need to go to professional school? and one more thing do i need to have any physical skills?
Afesha,
Don't be confused about what you see on television. While some big city departments might have a position that is similar to what you see on tv they certainly don't do what you see every week. First you have to be a uniformed officer and spend many years on the street before you would ever be considered for such a position. And think about the competition. Thousands of officers competing for just a few spots. However the important thing now is to go to high school, keep your attendance and disiplinary record clean, and to keep a high GPA. College can wait. You still have at least five years before you will even be thinking of college so right now concentrate on high school.
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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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