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I am 22, I have a clean record, I've never been in trouble with the law. I applied for a job at my local police station and they would not hire me because they said "we can't hire people who are not willing to work Sundays." Its against my Religion to work on Sundays but yet I would still like to work for the police, as anything they need, ETC.Maintenance, or desk clerk or filer, phone auditor,. SO I was wondering if that was against my religious rights to expel me from a job because I can't work Sundays?
Are they aloud to do that? Some of my friends who are lawyers said I might want to fight it. But I am not going to solely because that would put a bad Image on my Religion and since I want people to follow my Religion I want to strive for the best testimony I can have. So thank you so much for your time in reading this question. And I appreciate the time you have dedicated to our country with the police force itself.. Thank you and God Bless.
Hi Robert,
What job did you apply for?? If it was for police officer or something along those lines then yes they can.
Law Enforcement in general is a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year type of employment. We work shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. I have missed Christmas with my family more than once. If you are not willing to work Sundays because of your beliefs thats fine, but that would also put an undue burden on the police department to cover that time with someone that is willing to work Sundays.
May I ask how helping your fellow man on a Sunday would be looked at negatively by your religion? Yes it may be "work" but I do my job not only because I get paid, but I do it because it was a calling. I believe that GOD put me here on this earth to serve my fellow man in the form of a police officer. Protecting those that can not protect themselves, standing up for those that can not stand up for themselves, making my community and its citizens safer. Serving my fellow man whenever I can in my role. Its not just arresting people and fighting bad guys, its also about helping your fellow man. Maybe looking at it that way would help you reconcile it with your beliefs?
And yes they can deny you employment based on the fact that we have to work Sundays and Holidays and all days of the year.
Be well and GOD Bless..
Oh and a few of my favorite Bible verses:
My Favorite: Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God"
my second favorite:
Joshua 1:9
"I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go."
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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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