By: Annetta Miller

Joe Yocum, an adjunct professor and coordinator in the criminal justice program at Hamilton College - Lincoln, is called “Sheriff Joe” by most of his colleagues. In addition to his teaching duties, Joe is Sheriff of Seward County, Nebraska, a rural county located near Lincoln. But along with his sheriff’s hat and his teacher’s hat, Joe also wears another hat: that of a Kaplan University Gift of Knowledge (GOK) student.

GOK offers substantial discounts to employees who want to start or continue their education while working for KHE. With the help of the program, Joe received a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice on August 4th, graduating with a 4.0 grade average.

Online Success Story
Says Joe, “KU has been great for me. I couldn’t go to a traditional daytime school because of the requirements of my job, so the flexibility online education offers held a big allure. It was easy to come home from work at ten o’clock at night, read through my assignments, converse with my fellow students, and complete my class work. The instructors that I had the pleasure to work with were just phenomenal. They guided me, coached me and encouraged me throughout the entire process.”

In his Hamilton College job, Joe is an adjunct professor and coordinates eight criminal justice adjuncts, each of them with a particular expertise. “We have specialists in white collar crime, criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and many other fields. “I’m surrounded by an incredible group of people. Most of them are current police officers who are older and responsible, and have a great deal to share with the students.”

Real Life Lessons
In his role as sheriff, Joe supervises fifteen deputies who work to protect the citizens of Seward, a county comprised of several small villages, most of which lack their own police forces. As with many rural areas in the Midwest today, Joe says, Seward battles its share of methamphetamine dealing as well as the crimes related to it. “Dealers like rural areas, because there are fewer people around and it’s easier for them to hide what they‘re doing,” he says.

He loves to fill his classes with real-life stories from his 25 years in law enforcement.

For example, to teach about police investigations, he tells students about the time he was called upon to investigate a case of a partially decomposed body found along the roadside. Working closely at the scene with CSI technicians including entomologists, he assisted in identifying the body as that of a truck driver that had been reported missing a week earlier. As a result of canvassing the rural area, he narrowed down the time of death that ultimately helped investigators identify suspects involved in the gruesome murder. The two suspects were later caught and pleaded guilty to killing the trucker at a truck stop and dumping his body in Seward County.

Joe, whose KU Academic Advisor was Tim Fritz, says he is not content to stop with his master’s degree. He’s hoping that KU will one day offer a doctorate program, and when they do, he’s signing up. A doctorate, he says, would allow him to expand his expertise and teach graduate courses at Hamilton. “I look forward to learning with KU in the future,” he says.

By: Kim Vann

Imagine entering a crime scene and being the one responsible for noticing and collecting every trace of evidence. The pressure’s on: your analysis of the evidence must be scientifically sound to crack the case.

You’ve seen the hit television crime drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on CBS. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago recently hosted the world premiere of CSI: The Experience, an immersive, interactive forensic science exhibit related to the TV show.

Two Kaplan University Criminal Justice faculty members, , lent their expertise to the experience. Bob gave a one hour lecture on bloodstain pattern analysis and explained how it is used to reconstruct crime scenes. Dena gave a half hour lecture on latent fingerprint examination, and also a hands-on demonstration on latent print development.

“I believe it was worthwhile for people to interact with criminal justice professionals who have actually worked numerous crime scenes, and it also provided the chance to examine how much latitude Hollywood takes with the topic of crime scene investigations,” said Bob, Academic Chair for the School of Criminal Justice.

A Learning Experience
In CSI: The Experience, guests played the role of crime scene investigator, learning scientific principles and real investigative techniques as they tried to solve one of three crime scene mysteries. Two state-of-the-art crime labs helped guests piece together the evidence. With input from investigators from the television show, along with their real-life forensic science counterparts, guests formulated a hypothesis, validated their findings based on scientific evidence and tried to crack the case.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provided $2.4 million to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to develop the exhibit for a national tour of science museums, as well as an online learning adventure.

“The show CSI has inspired its millions of fans to become interested in forensic science,” said Sandra Welch, NSF’s program officer for informal science education. “Recognizing the role the show plays in society, we think this connection with the exhibit will help draw many people into a high quality science learning experience.”

Bob Kopczynski, Chair for the School of Criminal Justice, lectures on bloodstain pattern analysis.

by Paul Maraschiello, Washington, D.C.’s leading Federal resume expert

My firm has helped thousands of people find jobs and get promoted within the Federal Government. Over the years, I have developed a method of preparing Federal resumes that has been very successful. In retrospect, there is one thing that every successful Federal resume has had in common. They have been extremely thorough in their descriptions of the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments of every job. In addition, all the training each applicant has completed is described in the proscribed manner.

Many people believe that all you have to do is mail in your resume and if you are the most qualified, you will be hired by the Government. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! When the Federal Government states that, “you can apply by sending in your resume,” they mean a resume that contains a ton of information that is NEVER included in a resume for the private sector. The Feds will be grading your resume like and examination and if certain information is missing, they will simply disqualify you. To achieve the most consideration, you must provide them with a much more detailed resume than you have sent to me and certain data MUST be included.

The Federal Government uses the application procedure as a weeding-out process to reduce the large number of applications they receive to a manageable number and your current resume will wind up on the trash heap in its current form. The Office of Personnel Management will NEVER assume that you have any experience that is not spelled out in your resume. To qualify, your resume must be expanded and the important data that is missing MUST be included. Your job descriptions need to include all the buzz words the Government wants to see, if you want to be rated HIGHLY QUALIFIED and actually land a Federal job.

E‑Mail your resume for a FREE evaluation to jobs@fedjobs.org

(more…)

Agility or physical fitness tests are part of just about every selection process. If you want to become an officer you must be in shape and be able to pass the test. What can you expect? A safe answer is just about anything. These are some of the tests that you may be subject to.

1. Pushups
2. Sit-ups
3. Squat Thrusts
4. Running anywhere from a hundred yards to over 1.5 miles
5. Flexibility
6. Weight lifting a percentage of body weight
7. Swimming

The tests are designed to see if you can perform the essential functions of the job. Most agencies will specify what exactly will be expected of you. Therefore, it is important to get this information so that you may prepare for the test. Many times you only get one chance to pass.

Want some motivation? Imagine not getting a job you really want because you can only do 24 sit-ups when 25 are required. MAKE SURE YOU CAN DO WHAT IS EXPECTED. Start training now for test day and you will be successful.

Medical examinations are part of just about every selection process. A doctor must say that you are medically fit and will be able to perform the essential functions of the job.

What can you expect? Generally medical exams are a known process meaning we know what to expect. Most agencies will specify what the examination will entail. There are usually no surprises. Keep in mind that many agencies are now doing drug screening as part of the medical exam.

If you should fail, some agencies permit a second opinion, but many only give you one chance at passing the medical.

Many of the disqualifications that occur are because the candidate is overweight or has problems with vision.

Want some motivation? Imagine not getting a job you really want because you are a couple of pounds overweight. Knowledge of what you will be subject too during the exam is your best offense.

I. Police Jobs- Background Investigations

Law Enforcement agencies generally will conduct a background investigation before selecting you. They base it on your application

A. Do

Make sure that your immediate family is on board with you as you seek a police job. Law Enforcement is a career. What does your spouse think about your career choice? Ask people to be your reference-Make sure that they are willing to be contacted and interviewed about you. The worst thing that could happen is for someone you chose as a reference to provide negative comments.

Expect unexpected visits from your investigator. Return calls and correspondence promptly. Delays work against you and in the favor of other candidates.

Be prepared to have everything about you examined AND verified.

B. Don’t

EVER BE DISHONEST- Most law enforcement agencies will automatically disqualify you if you are.

Nobody including your recruiter has been perfect. Honesty is non-negotiable if you want to be a police officer. A police job requires you to have impeccable character.

Insider Tip- Once your integrity is impeached you are damaged goods!

What police recruiter would want to hire you?

I.Police Jobs- Application Process

What follows is an overview of the police job application process. Over time I will comment on each one of these in more detail.

A. Gather your documents

Have everything at your fingertips before you begin filling out the application. Examples of items that you will need:

Valid drivers license, vehicles registration, Selective Service Number (male applicants only), Educational information, credit reports, employment history, references, outside awards or recognition, etc.

B. Read AND follow instructions

Don’t get disqualified because you did not read the instructions.In many agencies this is actually a test designed to see if you can follow instructions

C. Take your Time

Judgments are made about you based upon the completeness of your answers. Don’t ever, ever be dishonest-tarnish your integrity and no recruiter is going to hire you.

Insider Tip-COPY YOUR POLICE JOBS APPLICATIONS. FILL OUT THE COPIES. MAKE ALL YOUR MISTAKES ON THE COPY!!!!!-THEN SUBMIT THE ORIGINAL POLICE JOB APPLICATIONS.

The month of May has been formally set aside to remember those who have given their life in the line of duty.

The week of May 6^th-12^th is National Correctional Officer’s Week. Each day correctional officers accept enormous personal risk to maintain the security of our prisons. Too often they have made the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of others.

The week of May 13^th-20^th is National Police Week. On May 13^th the 19^th annual candlelight vigil will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. May 15^th has been designated as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

As we all enjoy the beautiful month of May, we must pause to remember the sacrifices that are made every day by the men and women of Law enforcement.

For further information you can visit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at www.nleomf.com

Listen to what a current Police Recruit tells you about his experiences in the Police Academy. Follow him through his training, and learn what is expected from you, in the Police Academy.

Introduction:
I’ll be attending academy beginning 11/13/00 and contributing to CopCareer.com, so they asked me to introduce myself and bring all of you up to date.

I’m 30 years old, married with 2 small children and one on the way. I live just outside of Tampa, FL and am employed (for the past 12 years) in the Information Technology field. I’ve wanted to be in Law Enforcement for about 13 years, but for a variety of reasons have just now got on with it. I will be serving in a reserve capacity initially, with the intent of joining full time in 2 to 3 years once I can afford to take the pay cut.

I selected Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/ - click on Directory, then “R”, then “Reserve II Deputy” for more info) mainly because of their proximity and their reputation as one of the best reserve programs in the country. HCSO has more volunteers than “regular” sworn officers, and for good reason. HCSO reserve is permitted to ride with patrol deputies, aviation, marine patrol, etc. and they are permitted to even try out for the SWAT team. Plus, once you become a reserve deputy, you can attend any of the classes offered at the Criminal Justice academy (forensics, accident investigation, etc.) free of charge.

My adventure began back in February of 2000 when I attended an orientation meeting at one of the district headquarters. They described the program, took your picture, and conducted review board interviews. In the review board interviews, you sat in a room in front of 3-4 other reserve deputies (including at least one with some stripes) and a full-time deputy. They presented a variety of scenarios and evaluated you based on your responses, demeanor, and overall personality. Here, as in ALL aspects of the hiring process, honesty is the key. If your gut instinct is to draw your weapon, tell them so. If your gut instinct is to crouch and comply, tell them so. Lying is usually evident and never beneficial.

After the interview, we waited in the lobby until they called us each in to tell us pass / fail. I was called in by a reserve 2 (here after “R2″) Captain, who informed me that I had one of the highest scores he had ever seen. I guess watching “COPS” for 12+ years pays off! Seriously, I was flattered almost to the point of tears. Part of the reason I had delayed joining law enforcement was because of a lot of insecurity and self doubt. This feedback gave me a huge confidence boost and in a sense validated my suspicion that I was born to do this. But I digress…. Those who passed were given a 30+ page background investigation questionnaire to fill out. Fortunately, I had previously completed one of
these for another agency, so all I had to do was copy and update. Let me warn you: plan on at least 10-15 hours minimum to complete one of these. You are required to provide names, addresses, and phone numbers for every school you’ve attended, every job you’ve worked, and every house you’ve lived in. Having attended 10 schools in 12 years, that was no small feat. Again, BE HONEST! Rest assured they will unearth any half truth and they don’t take that kind of deception very well. If you were fired from a job, indicate that and give the reason. If you dropped out of high school because you were bored, be honest about it.

After you complete the questionnaire, you are asked to call and schedule an interview. Mine was scheduled on 02/28/00 and lasted approximately 2-3 hours. They will review your application with you, ask for clarification or details on any items needing so, and make sure you have completed everything. Usually the detective that does this step with you is assigned to you throughout the process. I was interviewed by Detective Lingo, a great guy who was very informative and made the entire process as pleasant as possible. I don’t think you can request a detective, but if you apply to HCSO and are assigned Detective Lingo, you’ve got a smooth road ahead of you.

To keep this segment from being too long, I’ll pick up the application process in another segment. If these are too long, wordy, or personal please let me know. The first time I applied at an agency, I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I’m trying to be detailed to help out any future candidates. I think the procedures are similar across agencies, so hopefully this will be helpful to anyone. Feedback is welcomed as I want to be as helpful as possible. If these emails are helpful, I will continue them throughout academy and beyond until ya’ll get bored with me.

Thanks, and I will keep you updated while in the academy.

Thanks,
Todd

Law Enforcement- Day One Through Retirement Introduction

As one of the founders of Copcareer.com, I have received many emails asking me about federal law enforcement careers, state police jobs, local police jobs and other types of police employment. I have decided to provide you with an overview of federal, state and local law enforcement job information. I intend to write about police jobs from day one through retirement. I need you to do is to ask yourself— is policing a career for you?

A. Do you really want a police job?

Why do you want to be a police officer? Have you really thought about it? Policing is an extremely rewarding career. However it is not easy. The hours and working conditions can be very difficult. You must be psychologically as well as physically tough. Special assignments and promotions await those who excel in their assignments.

B. Applying

Just imagine how many police departments that there are in the world. All have some type of police application process. Most will use a standard process and I will discuss them in future articles.

C. Do your homework

Learn as much as you can about the position. Make sure that you meet all of the mandatory basic qualifications. They may include residency, age, educational requirements and physical fitness. Go on-line and research the agency- look at their website. Click NOW HIRING on Copcareer.com. Can you see yourself working for the agency? If so, go ahead and apply.

Editors Note: My next article will discuss the Application Process