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Careers: Police/Department guildelines on past drug use

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Expert: - 4/12/2008


Question
Hello Commander Wagoner,

I appreciate the quality of your answers on this forum.  I am in my late 30's and decided that a career in law enforcement is right for me (and the community too).  I am successfully self employed, have a great family, in great physical shape, got a 93 on my CJBAT, great credit, income, and driving record.  I have done most things right in my life and expect a fair review on my credentials.  I have two questions:  will departments be open to my age? and for past drug use I did disclose on my applications that I used marijuana on about 15-20 times, 15-20 years ago. This did not terribly concern me, as it is the truth, until the first department I applied to denied me on cursory review of my application for this. I assumed it would be inquired about, but to be flat out denied, I am a little surprised. What is your advice.  Will this usage be a recurrent issue?  Will a denial at one department be a concern at others?  Is enrolling myself at an acedemy on my own dime a worhty consideration?

I would appreciate your input.

Answer
Hi John,

I am very surprised at the denial. Most agencies that i have ever been a part of or seen their hiring requirements and rules would not have a problem with that type of minor drug usage. Your description of your background makes you a prime choice if you ask me. Your age is not really an issue. very few agencies have cut off ages these dates, but your age is nothing compared to some I have seen.

The one agency turning you down should not have any bearing on any others.

You can always put yourself through the academy (many people do) and chances are you may get hired while in (we always have a few that are)or shortly thereafter. You become a more cost effective choice when you are certified vs. non-certified so its a good choice if you decide to go that route.

You would easily qualify for my academy and with the background you described, we would have no problem admitting you. www.policecareers.org.

I hope it all works out for you. Keep your chin up and you will be just fine.

Stay Safe.  

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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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