Careers: Police/police force

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Expert: - 6/26/2007


Question
Hi there i was wondering what kind of pay do you get yearly if you get into SWAT and what is the minimum age to get in?

Answer
Matt,

  There are no national pay standards for police departments.  For example the pay on a large eastern city department would be far greater than on a rural department in the south.  It's not just on police departments but also for any other job.  And an officer who has been on the department for twenty years would be paid much more than an officer who has been on for five years.  Just like any other job,

  Age?  First of all you would not be considered for a position in SWAT until you spend many years on the street learning the skills necessary to become a successful SWAT officer.  It's the same as at a grocery store.  You don't just walk in the door and become the manager.  You start as a bag boy or cashier and work your way up as you learn the business.

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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