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Careers: Police/Do you need to be a US Citizen to be a police officer??

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Expert: - 7/7/2008


Question
Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to join the police cadet, because i lived in the u.s. for about nine years and i'm getting my American Citizenship next year in november 2009, i can't wait that long for a job that i'm really interested in.

Answer
Hi Azad

I commend you for your interest in being a police officer of your adopted country. But I am sorry, you have to be a US Citizen to be a police officer here in the US.

Hang in there, if your really interested that much, why not try and get a job at the department doing something else until you become a citizen? There are all kinds of jobs and that would give you a chance to check out the police department and also them to get to know you a bit..

Just an idea.

Good luck!!!

Hi Again Azad,

Police Cadets are what we call our police trainees. Cadets, Recruits, and a few other things. If your talking about a program that I am not aware of, then you will have to check with them to see. If you are refering to the Police Explorer Program, then no you do not need to be a US Citizen, but you have to be between 14 and 21. Can you tell me more about which program in which state you are talking about? Thanks...

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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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