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Careers: Police/Animal Investigations Officer training?

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Expert: - 5/29/2008


Question
I'm very interested in getting into animal cruelty investigations. I've found a listing for a job opening in the Alachua county area, however I'm uncertain where to find the proper training. The qualifications requirement SOUNDS easy enough. "Graduation from high school or equivalent and six months experience as an animal services officer; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience." But where would I look to find training and experience? I'm not entirely certain which college courses I could take that would apply to this field, though I've read about the certification courses available. Those are only 4 day courses though, which would leave me very very short on training and experience. Where should I turn to start on my career path?

Answer
Hi Jessica,

There really is not training just for that. But I am sure any kind of training in animals, their care, and the laws regarding that section of law would be helpful.

I would read up on the animal cruelty laws and those that cover animal control officers:

Florida State Statue:

828.27  Local animal control or cruelty ordinances; penalty.--

The 828 Section of the Statues.

828.12  Cruelty to animals.

actually all the 828 are related to ANIMALS: CRUELTY; SALES; ANIMAL ENTERPRISE PROTECTION.

Also read up on the Alachua County Ordinances:
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10343&sid=9

They send you to a school that is a week long to learn about just these types of things. First thing is read up, go for the interview and blow them away with your knowledge of the state laws and county ordinances about animals.

Good luck and I hope this helps..  

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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!!

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