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Careers: Police/I really want to be a SVU detective

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Expert: - 4/12/2007


Question
Alright, I was wondering how long you need to go to school and how long you have to be a police on the streets (averagly). I like to watch like law and order, lol, and it got me interested but what classes in high school should you take. thank you!!!!!

Answer
Lauren,

  First of all don't believe a thing that you see on tv.  There are no such police units as SUV or CSI in real life.  They are products of Hollywood and are made to be exciting so people will watch.  If they made a show about real police work no one would watch.

  You don't need to worry about what clases to take in high school.  The police could care less what you took.  The important thing is to have a good GPA, high SAT scores, good attendence record, etc. because when you are an applicant they will be at your high school interviewing your former teachers, looking at your transcript, etc.

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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