Expert: Chris Wagoner - 4/30/2010

Question
Hi My name is David,
Ever since i was 17 years old I was in the restaurant business, but unfortunately I lost my passion for cooking. However I am now 22 years old and have been interested in law enforcement. I am currently planning a wedding in June, but I do plan on after the wedding go into either the Police Academy in Tavares, or Valencia. Or go about looking into the State Trooper position. I was wondering which is more better, as far as beneficial and also financial. I do plan on doing this as a career so I would like to know which is better for me. I know the qualifications for State Trooper as far as weight/height requirement and also about the academy. But I want to know is which would you prefer and why?

Answer
Hi David,

Well first off let me say that your parents should be very proud of you. A 22 year old that is thinking ahead like you are, and taking into consideration the things you are, is one smart young man. Good for you! I only wish there were more young people that could think like you do and express themselves like you do. And congratulations on your wedding. Good for you. I have been married for 17 years (first and only) and love it. I highly recommend it, my wife is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Good luck on yours!

As for your questions. The issue of going to the local police academy or trying to become a State Trooper is one that only you can answer. But let me tell you what I know and maybe it will help you decide for yourself. The Florida Highway Patrol is one of the most professional and highly respected agencies in the State. I have been too and observed their academy in Havana Florida and it is top notch. The instructors and staff are first rate. I personally know several of the staff members and cadre and they are Troopers who really know what they are doing. If you decide to go that route remember what the major portion of their time is spent with. FHP does mostly traffic enforcement and traffic crash investigation. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I myself love traffic. I am certified as a Traffic Homicide Investigator and Accident Reconstructionist, and worked Traffic Homicide for 7 years myself, so I too love traffic. But that is most of what they do. if you ever want to move into another investigative field or area its harder to do in FHP than most other agencies, since that is not their primary role. But they do an outstanding job at what they do. As for pay and benefits (which I am glad you asked) FHP is on the State of Florida retirement system. If you do go to FHP and later decide to leave for another state agency of any kind, you still stay within the same retirement system and your time counts for your retirement. They receive good benefits (Equipment, take home units, etc..) and retirement is pretty good. Pay is about average for police and can vary depending on where they station you. They used too, and I am pretty sure they still do, pay different based on the area of the state they assign you too because of the cost of living differences.

As for going to one of the other academies, then you would have to decide which agency you want to apply too and there are so may that you would have to look at what size agency do you want? Larger means more chance for movement up and around, smaller means easier to get to know everyone and really make good contact with the citizens you serve. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I worked for both large and small and if I was starting out, I would start with a large department to give myself the chance for advancement and specialization. Many small departments just don't have the specialty units many young officers are looking for like SWAT, Dive Teams, Motorcycle and others. So that is something to consider. Also most city agencies are not on the state retirement system but on their own. Where is your on the State retirement system and you leave one place and go to another that is also on the state retirement, your time follows you and you are still working for the same retirement date.

If you get a chance you need to read my free booklet I wrote for guys just like you, "So you want to be a cop?". http://www.policedepartmentblog.com/2010/04/29/want-to-be-a-cop-read-this-before...

I hope these ideas give you something to think about. In the back of that booklet are links to every single police agency in Florida. You can research a few and see what they have to offer.

Be well and stay safe and good luck!!!