Expert: Chris Wagoner - 2/9/2010

Question
Hi I am 18 and still in high school. I'll be graduating next year along with turning 19. I am very interested in joining FWC. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. What all can i do either before i graduate or after I graduate to enhance my chances to join FWC? What all do i need to qualify for fwc? What would be the best path for me to make it to where i wont be struggling to get in to FWC?

Answer
Hi Sean,

Well your age and lack of life experience may hurt you. But here is a lot of info for you from FWC.

Read this first: http://dept.sfcollege.edu/IPS/CEW/So%20you%20want%20to%20be%20a%20cop.pdf


The Division of Law Enforcement represents about half of the agency's personnel, with 902 employees, 725 of whom are sworn officers. The division emphasizes compliance with

■fishing and hunting regulations,
■state and federal laws that protect threatened and endangered species,
■laws dealing with commercial trade of wildlife and wildlife products, and
■boating safety laws and regulations.
The division is a partner with other state law enforcement agencies in Florida's Mutual Aid Plan, administered by the Department of Community Affairs. Officers perform search and rescue, as well as provide information and law enforcement service and assistance to citizens and visitors alike.

The division director is Col. Jim Brown.

Non-Sworn Law Enforcement Applicants

■Non-sworn Law Enforcement applicants (applicants that are not certified law enforcement officers) must start the selection process by completing both a State of Florida application and an FWC supplemental application by visiting peoplefirst.myflorida.com.
■The FWC supplemental application is filled out online and then printed.  The Supplemental Application provides the necessary information for the agency to conduct a thorough background investigation on qualifying applicants.
■The State of Florida application is filled out online and submitted electronically in People First.  At that time the applicant must print out a copy of the application to be forwarded to FWC.
■A copy of the State of Florida application and the original FWC supplemental application, including all documents and tests, must be mailed together to FWC. (Applications are valid for one (1) year from date of receipt)
■The applicant must pass the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Level A, Form 8 or higher and the BAT (Basic Abilities Test, also known as the FBAT or CJBAT).  The TABE test is a comprehensive test that evaluates the education level in four basic areas- reading comprehension, math, language skills and spelling.  The BAT test is specifically designed to determine an applicant's ability to successfully complete the Basic Recruit Curriculum.
■After receipt of your completed applications, to include all requested documents and the TABE and BAT test results, qualifying applicants will be invited to participate in a physical fitness assessment based on the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards.
■After successfully completing the physical assessment the applicant is scheduled for an oral interview by a review panel at the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center which is located at The Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) (formally Pat Thomas Academy) near Tallahassee.
■If selected by the review panel, a thorough background investigation will be conducted.
■Following a successful background investigation, selected applicants will be required to complete an extensive medical physical and psychological evaluation.
■At the conclusion of this process, selected applicants are offered employment and enrolled in either a local training center near their place of residence or the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center for the basic recruit law enforcement training.  The basic recruit academy lasts about 19 weeks and for those attending the FPSI, housing is provided at the academy dormitory.  (Upon arrival at the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center or regional academy applicants are again required to pass the physical fitness assessment.  Failure to do so will result in immediate withdrawal of the offer of employment.)
■After completion of the basic recruit academy, recruits who attended regional academies join those completing the academy at FPSI to begin agency specific training which lasts up to six weeks.  This specialized training includes, but is not limited to:
■Fish and wildlife conservation laws
■Land Navigation
■Federal Fisheries Law Enforcement
■Species I.D. (marine and wildlife)
■Vessel accident investigation
■Water safety survival
■Man-tracking
■Commercial fishing
■Vessel operation
■ATV training
■At the conclusion of the agency specific training, Officers report to their new assignment location and will be placed in a 14 week Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.  This program is specifically designed to teach the unique requirements of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement.
■When the FTO Program is successfully completed, approval is given to carry out the daily duties of an FWC Officer.

FWC Applicant Disqualifier List

Criminal History

■Any felony conviction
■A misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence
■A misdemeanor conviction involving perjury or a false statement
Military History

■A dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States
Controlled Substance Abuse

■Marijuana use in past two years
■Controlled substances use, other than marijuana, in last five years
Driving History

■Have a valid Class E Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record
■DUI/OUI within past five years
■Any traffic violation involving the refusal to submit to a breath/blood/urine test within five years
Prior Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers

■Any sustained internal investigation for perjury or false statements


How do I submit my application?

A copy of the State of Florida application and the original FWC Supplemental Application, to include all required documents and written tests must be mailed together to:

FWC Academy
75 College Drive, Suite 102
Havana, FL 32333

Applications are valid for one (1) year from date of submission.  If you have any questions please call 850-558-4080.