Expert: Jack Toomey - 8/13/2003

Question
Dear Mr. Jack Toomey,
I am a 34 year old single mom of a 10 year old boy.  I have been working in the medical field as a phlebotomist(drawing blood) since I was 16.  I of course have worked other jobs too like retail.  I have always been fascinated with the law system but have no clue as what to do.  My mom used to call me the hound dog.  I could find anyone.  I helped a friend of mine find her father.  So, private investigation would be interesting to me.  I just don't know how to go about it and don't feel I have any opportunities where i'm currently living.  It's hard to go to school and work and have responsibility of my son too.  He comes first but I can hardly pay my bills on the $9.99/hr that i'm currently making.  Every job opportunity I have applied for and have failed.  I used to be able to get any job I put my mind and energy into.  I live in Pueblo Colorado and I have found reverse descrimination.  Example:I applied for a state job at the medicaid clinic here in town for indigent people.  I don't speak spanish but have lots of years behind me of experience and was passed up for the job.  Not even an interview.  I have a great Resume and letters of Reference.  
I would like to make a career change for myself and for my son so that we don't have to scrape just to eat.  I'm not a money hungry female.  I live very simple.  I don't really even have decorations in my house.  MY sons needs come first so I haven't been able to buy anything.  I'm not trying to sound like a pitty case.  Just trying to give you some background about myself and the things i've tried but i'm not able to succeed at it.  At the age of 18 things were going on the right track for me in California and my drive that I had back then I no longer have. I'm trying to get it back but I have been knocked down so much i'm starting to give up.
I love forensics.  Love it.  I just don't have the smarts for science.  
I'm sorry to have rambled on.  Do you have any advice for me.  I hope you get my email soon.  Would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your time,

Lisa Berry

Answer
Hello Lisa,

   Becoming a police officer is going to be a fairly hard thing to do for a single mother.  I say that because its not a 9-5 job and you will be working on the streets for years before you have enough experience to apply for a detective type job.  So say you do find a police department that is hiring and that you submit an application.  You must first meet their educational requirements (high school for some departments and 60 college credit hours for others) then take a series of apptidute tests, physical exam that might require exertion, background, polygraph, then more oral interviews before the hiring list is cut down to those entering the police academy.  The police academy can be a difficult thing for a person who has not led an active life.  About half is in the classroom and the other half is spent on the firing range, the driving track, doing scenarios, physical training, etc. Then upon graduation you work with another officer until they think you are able to ride by yourself.  Then you will probably (depending on the department) work shift work for years until you build up enough seniority where you can explore the possibility of moving into an investigative type position but that is years away.  So I would explore the various departments in your area and see what they offer, etc, before you apply.

   And remember....police officers are always going to court on their days off or being asked to work overtime so babysitting can be a problem for a single mother.  Not trying to talk you out of it but this is not a 9-leave at 5 type job.