Careers: Police/Failed drunk

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Expert: - 2/17/2008


Question
Hello commander, i have a question.  I applied for the NYPD 2 years ago and went thru the whole process.  Everything was fine or above average.  I have military experience, never been arrested, smoked weed only 2x and work history great.  My physical test was above average, i scored # 431 on the written test (of 8,000).  Problem is when i did my oral psyc.  They asked me some alcohol questions.  I am not a drinker, in fact a 6 pack in my fridge can last up to 5 weeks.  I however tought they would not believe me and told them at some point i had 11 beers.  I honestly dont recall this, but it seemed like normal to me.  Actually i can recall back in the Marines, my buddies drinking over 15 each and me knocked out after 6.  Anyways i told them at some point ive had over 10 or 11 and this became a problem.  They DQ me because i am a risk of having alcohol problems( it couldnt be farther from the truth) I have always been the "lightweight" of the group, but i tought they would think i was lying. I am wondering now if i would never be able to get hired for any other department because of this DQ that i had.  Someone told me that its a red flag anywhere i go.  Is this true?  Also if i re-apply with the same police, do i stand any chances?  Thank you in advance

Answer
Hi Jose,

From what you have told me I do not think you will have a problem. Having been in the military myself (Army) I can tell you that it happens to many in the service.

Were you able to explain it to them just like you did to me? If so I don't think it should have been a problem. Also you should not be "flagged" because of this. When asked explain it just like you did here and you should be OK.

In fact, when re-applying, make sure you get a chance to explain it and tell them what you have here.

Good luck, and do you want to apply to my academy in Florida?  :)

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Chris Wagoner

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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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