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Careers: Police/want to be a police officer

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Expert: - 12/6/2007


Question
I have a question if you coud hel it well be great.  I have been chaptered from the U.S. Army after 2 years of service general-other than honorable conditions.  For misconduct.  Due to underage drinking.  I am now going to school and plan on going through Police academy.  Well i be able to become a police officer when im done.  I was an excellent soldier and am in excellent physical condition.  I just liked to party.  And Im about to join the Army National guard..  Any assist or guidance well be greatly appreciated.  Thank You.  Stewart,William

Answer
William,

   I hope that you understand that there is no way that I can predict your future employment in law enforcement since there are thousands of police departments and everyone has a different set of hiring standards.  It would be unfair to you if I said it wouldn't be a problem when in fact one department might think that it is a problem (your discharge).  I will say this.  Your less than honorable discharge won't help you but you won't know until you try.

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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