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Question
Quick follow up question to my revised selection process inquiry:
For some reason, going to the dentist really gets under my skin...especially when the dentist performs long and extensive procedures. (like crowns, root canals, fillings, etc.) To solve this, the dentist prescribed me Valium. I am instructed to take it 20 mins. before my appointment.
I read somewhere on the internet that different "departmental policies" have different implications. So my question is: How will this affect my application and the selection process. Let me be clear: I only take the medication when i have a major dentist appointment and I prefer a pill over inhaling laughing gas. (nitrous oxide or something like that) Of course I will disclose this on my application. Is this a concern? Will this disclosure (or the fact that i take the meds before dentist appts.) affect my ambition of employment or will it give others a 'competitive edge'?
Thank you for offering your time and knowlege for all of us.
Chris
Chris,
Again...I have no idea how this will affect your application. There are no national standards for hiring for police officers. Each department uses there own standands. If I told you to be up front with them and tell them about the valium and you weren't hired because of it then you would blame me. If I told you not to tell them and it later was revealed then you would also blame me.
I am just not comfortable telling an an applicant for a police department what to do or what not to do. Its really not my function to do all that.
If you are so concerned about all of this, which sometimes makes me think that you are too concerned, maybe you should be talking to an attorney for advice.
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Answers by Expert:
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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