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Careers: Police/job opertunites with in a police unit

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Expert: - 10/17/2006


Question
Hi,
I'm PFC Bryan Casey i'm stationed in 1st special forces unit out of ft. lewis washington. My job specialty is small arms repair. I'm coming up on my ETS and reenlistment date soon and i've been thinking of some possiblilities for when I do decide to ETS. My question is what kind of jobs could a police force supply a repair man of my calibur with? Also any additional training or time and experience required. Also how likely it would be for me to join a swat unit, or some other form of a special tactics group. I appreciate you taking the time to hear me out. Thanks lots.
PFC CASEY BRYAN L
USASOC

Answer
Casey,

   Its hard to say what kind of position that you would fall into because police departments vary in size from the largest departments with thousands of officers to the smallest with two or three men.  I hope that you realize that you will go into uniform initially and spend several years on the street developing skills that would be necessary for advancement in the department.  I get hundres of questions from people who think that they can go straight into SWAT or become a homicide detective.  

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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