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Careers: Police/Can I still get a job?

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Expert: - 8/21/2008


Question
Dear Commander Wagoner,
      My name is Eric and I'm a 22 year old who recently graduated from
Rutgers University with a degree in criminal justice.  I have interned with a
police department and have a fairly clean record especially over the past 5
years.  I have experimented with marijuana when I first arrived to college but
have been clean since.  Unfortunatly a few nights ago I was in my cousins
car and marijuana was found in it.  I had no idea it was there until the cops
came and the girl it belonged to freaked out.  All the passengers in the car,
including me were arrested for possession and also with intent to use.  After
explaining to the officer I did not know it was there, telling him who it
belonged to, and that I was attempting to become a police officer he said not
to worry because when I go to court the charge will be dropped if the girl it
belonged to admits to it.  He claimed an arrest will still show
up but that I can still get a job after I explain the situation to a cheif during
the interview process.  My question is if just having the record of being
arrested for possession of marijuna with intent to use is enough for my name
to be immediatly thrown out, even though I will not be convicted of it.  My
hearing is on Monday and again, I am assuming I will be found not guilty
considering it belonged to one of the girls that was arrested with me.  I really
do appreciate your input on the situation as I have been freaking out the past
few days worrying if I just threw away my diploma, life, and career all
because I was a passenger in a car.  Again thank you very much.
-Eric

Answer
Hi Eric,

RELAX. Your going to be fine. Even if you were convicted (which I have no doubts you will not be based on your statement above) you still would not be ruled out for all departments.

An arrest with the charges being dismissed, and a copy of the court records is all you need and you will be fine. RELAX. Don't get yourself worked up to much about it. If it bothers you to much, when you go to court tell the Judge your plans about being a Cop and that you would like to know if you can get your records cleared (expunged). He may like you and do it then, or he may say you have to go through the normal channels. Can't hurt to ask.

99% of departments that I have ever been associated with or seen the hiring requirements ( a couple hundred) would not have a problem with a misd. marijuana arrest where it was dismissed and the applicant had the records to explain it. A copy of the police report where you told the cop it was not your and who's it was would help also during your interview if they even bother to ask you about it in the background check.

So with all that, take a breather, go to court, get it dismissed and your fine. Relax. You will still be a cop if you have nothing else holding you back.

Be well.. and safe...

Careers: Police

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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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