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Expert: - 2/3/2010


Question
Hello Commander Wagoner, first off I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my question. My name is Emily, and for as long as I can remember my dream has been to become a police officer. When I was fourteen years old, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II, and I have been seeing psychiatrists and taking medication to manage the disorder ever since. I've never been hospitalized and with the medication I do great and am able to function normally, however I will be going to college soon and I'm worried that my diagnosis will prevent me from becoming a law enforcement officer. Is this something that would disqualify me as a candidate? I really would be crushed to have to choose a new career path. Again, thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Emily,

Well that is a great question and one I had to research a bit with a couple of departments before I could answer.

I know that almost all departments have psychological exams that you have to take. They are very long (6-8 hours) and you speak with a psychologist. I have been told that if they pass you as "fit for duty" then you should be OK. There are many different disorders and disabilities. I know I have my own and so do others I know closely. But that does not mean it interferes with me being a cop.

If you are able to pass all the exams, medical and psychological, and the doctors say you can perform the job then you should be OK.

Here is what I would do to make yourself feel better about your deciding to proceed in this career or not. I would contact one of the local departments near you, ask who they use for their hiring screening process. Then call that office and see if you can speak to Dr. and ask him/her straight up what they think your chances are. They should give you some idea of the local departments feelings.

Now for my own opinion. This is completely my own and only backed by my personal experience and knowledge (which is quite limited!) I would say that if you pass all the test and the doctors clear you, then you should be considered for the job with all the other candidates.

Be well and good luck in whatever you decide to do..

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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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