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About Commander Chris Wagoner
Expertise
I have been a police officer for 28+ years and still going! I am the Police Academy Commander at a LAw Enforcement/ Corrections Academy in North Central Florida. 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 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!!!

Experience
I am a 28+ 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.

Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management.

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, an AAS in Criminal Justice Technology from Santa Fe Community College, and a AA from Santa Fe Community College in Criminal Justice Programs.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years.

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Careers: Police - Employment

Expert: Commander Chris Wagoner - 11/5/2009

Question
Commander Wagoner,

I am looking to possible move from Michigan to Florida very soon, I have been a Firefighter (Volley and currently Career) for nearly 20 yrs (I am 40), I am looking to become and fill my dream of becoming a Police Officer. Due to family obligations I had chosen the Firefighter's Path, However, I am looking to move to Florida to actively pursue my dream. I am an Honorably Discharged Navy Vet. with several college degrees (Asso. Bach and working on my Masters, I would like to attend an academy once my move is complete. Finally...my question: What is the likelihood that upon completion of my basic training, I would be able to obtain a Law Enforcement Career with my age? Thank you and be Safe

Answer
Hey Jonathan,

We have a lot of people do just what you are describing. On fact the class commander of my current class is a 20 year retired Army Captain with good prospects of being a cop.

Your age may be an issue with some departments, but most will not have an issue as long as your past (which it sounds like it is) is clean. You should be fine. A lot of smaller departments will like a person with life experience.

Go for it.

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