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Question
Hello, I am applying for a couple of South Florida Departments and I am a little concerned for two things in my background.
1. About 15 years ago I was arrested for having my license suspended (Due to failure to pay a ticket), I was young and stupid and I got fingerprinted.
2. I currently (about 3 months ago) had a problem with my sun pass and I was charged with three tickets that I was not aware of because my sun pass did not work when I passed the toll. I never received any notice and the first notice I received was about my license being suspended if I did not take care of it. I immediately did and try to setup a court date but it was too late and I was convicted for failure to pay toll. I paid all the tickets but they gave me 9 points in my license (I get mad only by remembering this incident).
Other than that I have excellent credit history and nothing else in my background. I am 34 years old (That is also something I am concerned about, am I too old?I am in great shape though).
Do you think I would have any problems with my application due to these issues?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Giovanni,

Your driving record is going to prevent you from getting hired. I am sorry. No agency I know of will hire anyone that has a recent (within the last 5 years) suspension. In addition over 3 points is usually a disqualification. Sorry just trying to be honest so you don't waste your time. Your age is not a problem.

Be well and good luck in whatever you choose to do.

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Chris Wagoner

Expertise

I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

Experience

I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.

Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.

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