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Expert: - 11/10/2004


Question
hello, Im just looking for some information on starting a career in the police field.  Im actually in the pharmaceutical/manufacturing field now (I have a BS degree in Biology), so this would be a big switch.  But my desire to do this is big.  I actually applied for the FBI a couple years ago, and just missed getting into the academy.  If I were to jump to this career, I would like to get into crime investigation, or a similar area (detective work?).  I understand if patrolling is required at first.  So I guess I am looking for some advice on what to do, and if I make this jump, how hard would it be to become an investigator or what would I need to do?  

Thanks for your advice,

Jason Brazeal

Answer
Hello Jason,

    I get this type of question all of the time.  You are correct in stating that a person does not go straight into the detective section from the police academy.  Many people are not aware of that. It takes years of experience on the street developing the necessary skills that you need to become an investigator.  How long?  It depends on you and what department you join.  If its a big city department with alot of people trying to get into investigations then you are going to have to have a great record in patrol and hope that something opens up. If you are on a smaller department with not much demand for investigations it could be easier.  There is alot involved...for instance does an investigator keep his take home car or lose it?  Are there disadvantages or advantages into going into investigations on your particular department.  On some departments people fight to get into investigations while on others no one wants any part of it.  So I hope I have given you some insight into what you are faced with.

Careers: Police

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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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