Larry Peelen
Forensic Print Specialist III
Los Angeles Police Department
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I dropped out of high school as a teen; by the age of 17, I knew I had to do something with my life.
I decided to join the Navy; it was the best decision I've ever made—I believe everyone should serve.
After getting out, I spent time working part-time and focused on raising my three children.
My ex-wife, who worked for the City of Los Angeles, told me the LAPD was hiring.
The hiring process took two years; in that time, my wife and I separated, and I moved to New York.
After living in New York for a month, I decided to move back to LA; 3 days later, the LAPD called.
They invited me in for another interview, and here we are.
I was lucky to be in the right spot at the right time, but I also took actions to shape my own fate.
Education
High School
Career
Forensic Print Specialist III
I recover and analyze evidence from crime scenes, ranging from homicides to auto burglaries.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Armed Services
Law
Helping People
Day to Day
There are three aspects to my job: one is analytical, which means I'm in a lab, examining, analyzing, and trying to match prints. Another chunk of my job is working out in the field, analyzing a crime scene and gathering evidence. The third part of my job is the legal side of things, when I'm going to court to testify in a case. On any given day, I could be working in any one, or even all three of these roles. Personally, I prefer the analytical side, but I also enjoy being out in the field.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you can, get into any sort of police work and just start learning how the system works. A lot of people think this is going to be a glamorous TV job, as it's portrayed on TV, but once you start volunteering or working on the force, you'll see that it can be very gritty and very thankless. If you can get past the gore, and you can shed your ego and work hard without getting many pats on the back, then you'll know that this could be the job for you. Keep working on your education, as well.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You're on your own."
