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Careers: Police/police officer quesions

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Expert: - 9/27/2006


Question
So right now I am a junior at washington state university. I am a psychology major, with a minor in anthropology. not that it really matters, but when it comes to hiring police officers what do they really look for. along with how long does it take to become an investigator?

Answer
   Law enforcement agencies look for a pattern of deceit, bad credit records, dishonesty, bad traffic record, drug use, of course a criminal record, and other things that are predictors of a bad hire.  There are so many highly qualified people that there is no reason to consider a person with any of those things in his life.  You will be on the street for many years before you are considered for the position of investigator.  It takes that long to develop the skills that are necessary to become an investigator.

   How long does that take?  It depends on what department you work for.

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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