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Expert: - 1/16/2005


Question
Hello,

I have a couple of questions involving law enforcement. I am 31 years old and have recently taken the written test for a large midwestern city and am currently waiting for the results. I have done tons of research on the hiring process for this city and have a few questions regarding the medical test. Do you have to be absolutely healthy to pass or what do they let slide? I know that all agency's are different but I don't have perfect eyesight (I wear contacts) and also sometimes when my blood pressure is taken it is very high the after a couple of minutes it comes down to near normal. Also do you know of any websites or forums that can help give advice on these matters?

Thank You,
Mike

Answer
Mike,

   There are no national health standards for police officers so the medical standards for the department you interested in might be completely different than the next city.  It would probably be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this because he is probably better qualified to answer questions about health matters than I am.

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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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