Careers: Police/Alcohol

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Expert: - 1/14/2011


Question
I have read your message board, and havent found the specific answer to my question.  I have no history of drug use, no criminal record, and as for driving 1 speeding ticket, which i took a safe driving course for which was suggested and not required about 3 years ago.  I have no debt, and am just starting to build my credit, as it stands now I have no credit(trade lines) but recently purchased and financed a car and got a starter credit card to begin establishing credit.  I am currently enrolled in college. I also got married this past October to a man who supports my desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. My question is regarding the back round check related to alcohol.  In my past drinking became problematic, not legally, but personally, I stopped drinking after choosing to enroll in a 28 day treatment program and have been completely sober, no drinking whatsoever since, it will be 4 years in march of this year. I realize from your previous posts that past behavior is important and relevant, and also that you cannot give an exact yes or no to many posts as you are not the one who will actually be reviewing their application and that guidelines can vary somewhat by department, should this desire to become a police officer be put on the back burner, pursued or would you recommend accpeting that i may not be a likely candidate because of this issue in my past?

Thank you for your time and service.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

While your past behavior may show a slight pattern of an addictive personality, the fact that it was never a legal issue and you sought help on your own without being forced to do so speaks volumes for your character. I think that if you explain it the way you did to me here in your message, you can almost turn this from a negative into a positive showing that you are able to detect and understand problems that may arise in your personal life and know how to properly deal with them.

So I think you are okay with applying and processing with departments and think that you should only explain this if it should become an issue when asked by a background investigator or other person during the application process. So I think your desire is genuine and you should continue with the process, always try to turn a negative into a positive one possible.

Good luck be safe,

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Chris Wagoner

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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!!

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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.

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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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