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Careers: Police/I want to become a Detective..

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Expert: - 10/3/2006


Question
Hello. I am 13 years old (I know, I'm young) and I really want to be a Detective. I watch alot of law and order, SVU and Criminal Intent, although I'm sure being a detective is somewhat different (if not entirely) from TV shows. Do you have any advice for someone as young as me to start?

Answer
 Most young people don't realize that in order to become a police detective that they have to spend many years on the street as a uniformed officer before they could ever expect to be experienced enough to become a detective.

   In the meantime you should graduate from high school, maintain a high GPA, not get into any trouble at all, stay away from alcohol and drugs (because they will be doing a thorough background check on you, then enroll in college.

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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