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Question
Sir,
I am currently in the Air Force serving as Security Police in the state of FL.. My question is in regards to back ground investigation.. Before i enlisted i tried many of controlled substances, which im obviously not proud of.. It has been four years and i am close to seperation on my enlistment (honorably).. Have lots of certifications for the state of FL I.E radar.laser, FCIC II/NCIC, etc. On my off time i do frequent ride alongs with my friend.. I want to be as honest as possible of course on stuff i have done in my past.. I have never been arrested or any speeding tickets or in fact have anything on my record that FSS would disqualify me on.. However just nervous for possibly being denied for use of things in my teen years... I have also gone through the Equivelancy training and just waiting to take my test.. Do you think I could still get hired if i just go for it with my applications to become a FL LEO? Its the only thing holding me back really.
Hi Charles,
Each department has its own rules on drug use, but most have a 5 year limit. They want 5 years between your last use of a "hard" narcotic and when you apply. But remember this is a department specific thing and you need to check with whatever department you want to work for to make sure what their rule is on this matter.
Be well and keep working at it.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | CC Wangoner, Thank you for the rapid response. It has given me a confidence boost into just going out and try at the one thing I want to do for the rest of my life. You were very helpful just from a short paragraph but it makes all the difference. Thanks for you time sir. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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