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Question
Hi chris,
I'm very interested in going into law enforcement but
I'm worried that my bad credit will disqualify me. I have
not committed any crimes but my credit score is very low.
I've defaulted on some student loans and have some unpaid
phone bills. I haven't been able to get it fixed yet because I've
been unemployed for a couple yrs. I also dnt have a degree in
criminal justice. I know this puts me in a bad position but I was
Studying to be in x_ray tech. I wasn't able to finish because I
became pregnant and instead of one I had two babies. I am very
Very eager and hopeful the police academy accepts me .i.know my crete
score does not reflect it but I am responsible, bilingual, physically fit and I do
believe il be a great addition to law enforcement..what are my chances ?
Good afternoon Jacky,
While agencies are not looking at credit as closely as they used to, because of the economic situation we find ourselves in right now,they do still look at it. From what you describe to me it sounds like you may be in a position where you need to pay off some of your debts and raise your credit before I would suggest that you apply.
If the credit is the only thing holding you back right now, then what you need to do is work on your credit and show a period of time, even if its a couple of months, where you have improved it and can show that utilizing bills and statements that show you have been working on it. If you could do that you will greatly increase your chances of being hired by an agency.
I think that would be your best chance of increasing your marketability. Is to show that you have been working on the issue and have proof showing that you have been able to take responsibility and meet some of the credit issues you have.
Good luck on getting into the Academy and I hope that all works out for you.
Be safe and stay well.
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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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