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Hello there, first I appreciate what you do and that you take the time to answer questions from us hopefuls. I will be making my first trip down to BCC to take all 3 tests as I am way, way out-of-area (TN). First, coming from so far I do not have the luxury of a practice session. I have been training for the PAT and ultimately the academy for the past few months and have a few simple questions for you. What should I know about the testing center and course that they don't list online?
Secondly, I am very interested in the surrounding agencies. My uncle is a Chief here in TN and advised me to apply with large departments. I am 26 with excellent health. I hold two Bachelors in Psychology (BA), Criminal Justice (BS), and recently graduated with my MA in Criminal Justice. Also I hold both Basic NAUI and Advanced PADI SCUBA certifications. Language wise I can read/write Arabic with a basic vocabulary. I have a clean record (with the exception of 3 speeding tickets), good job references, and good moral character. I did experiment with marijuana in high school (<10 times). And the question everyone asks... Having experience in the south Florida area, what do you see my chances of being hired?
Hi Kevin,
Well it sounds like your going to have no problem when you get down there. I would apply to the Broward Sheriff's Office (my old dept. and a great one) and Ft. Lauderdale PD. There are several smaller ones, but thats up to you. With your background, BSO or Ft. LPD will pick you up. Have you thought of North Florida? We have a better cost of living here and a lot less hectic. But hey its up to you.
As for the BCC physical, its a snap for anyone in fair shape. You don't have to be an athlete at all to pass it. But if you have been practicing, you should be fine. The part that 90% of the people have trouble with is the 6'wall. Its the one that gets most with no upper body strength. But you should be fine, just get a good jump on it and your fine.
With your diving background (I am PADI Divemaster certified)you may want to think about once your on and off probation, applying for the Dive Team, and or the Surface Rescue Team. I was on both and loved it.
Good luck and when you go down there, tell Denise (the lady in charge of the Assessment Center) I said hi, we are very good friends...
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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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