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Expert: - 1/13/2010


Question
Mr. Wagoner,
I am a writer who has spent a lot of time researching law, criminal psychology, and other aspects of the legal system that would benefit me in terms of writing crime novels.  However, I’ve run into a roadblock that has me confused in the particular scenario I’ve created regarding jurisdiction, and I’m not sure how to approach it.  With all the information I’ve found on the various types of jurisdiction, it’s all muddled in my brain, and I want my novel to be as authentic as possible.
In this particular situation, a state senator is murdered.  The murder occurs at his home in a large metropolitan area, but his home resides just outside city lines, within the county.  Now, I would assume that a murder investigation would be handled by either the city/metro police department, the sheriff’s office, or a joint investigation between them.
However, I’m not sure if state or federal jurisdiction would apply because of the victim’s political importance.  At the time of his death, he was preparing to campaign for the US Senate but still held his seat in the state congress.
Could you perhaps clarify this for me so that I can keep the facts straight and make sure everything in my novel meshes with true-to-life jurisdictional decisions?  Thank you in advance for your help!
--Robin


Answer
Hi Robin,

The investigation would be handled by the County Sheriff's office. Because he is State Senator would not change any of it. Had he been a US Senator, the FBI may have helped out, but the investigation would still be done by the County Sheriff's office.

Thats an easy one, make the question harder next time!! :)

Be well and good luck on your story!  

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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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