Careers: Police/police hiring

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Expert: - 2/19/2007


Question
I mentioned it at the physical but not sure if the board is aware.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a question if you dont mind?I have an interview coming up but since i took the physical i was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma skin cancer.My illness is not terminal because it was caught on time but i do break out with lesions.I wanted to know what you would advise on doing being that my appearence is not that great.Do you think i will still have a chance? and if so how do i go about the interview?I am a little weary about the board seeing me and not considering me because of my appearance.This has been a dream of mine for so long and i have worked so hard to fight this illness to get to this point and i need a little advice, please!
-----Answer-----
Andy,

   Does the police department know that you have been diagnosed with non-hodginds lymphoma?

Answer
Andy,

   The important thing is to be completely honest in all dealings with a prospective employer especially a police department.  I have seen the smallest things come back to haunt and disqualify a prospective applicant.  I'm not sure how you would approach this.  Maybe go back to the medical section and make sure that they are absolutely aware that you have this ailment.

   Not having ever seen someone in your situation I don't know what to day about your appearance.  I don't think that I would be disguising myself or doing something like that.  Just be yourself and let things happen.  If this is ment to happen then it will.

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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