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Question
I am 33 years old and live in North Carolina, I have a degree in criminal justice and currently am employed as a probation/parole officer, in this state we have the power of arrest that is the same as a deputy sheriff. I have been doing this job for almost two years. I wanted to use this job as a stepping stone into other agencies, I am considering applying for the U.S. Marshalls as well as other local law enforcement agencies. I have a concern about my past that may be an automatic dq. I used marijuana occasionally when I was younger, in all i would estimate the number to be between 10-15 times from ages 18 to 24, I also took xanax recreationally probably 4-5 times in this time frame, I also tried LSD 1 time when I was 19 years old. I got arrested at Myrtle Beach when I was 19 years old, I was there with some friends and we got arrested for simple possession of marijuana, it was later expunged after complying with a pretrial diversion program. I have never sold drugs. I just wanted your opinion on if this would be a waste of my time in applying for these other jobs and I just should probably stick with my current job as a probation/parole officer.
Hi Mark,
I am afraid that it will be the LSD that will be your biggest problem. Many agencies use this one as an auto DQ because of the unknown long term effects. You seem to have a fairly decent job and one that is VERY important and a part of the criminal justice field. You probably are better off staying in your current position.
One thing you may consider trying is maybe instead of trying to go full time law enforcement right away, since your already a Probation Officer, is applying to an agency for a reserve position. That way you can see if you can get through the process without risking loosing your current job and you would be able to work as a LEO when the fancy strikes you and still have your good, reliable full time job.
Just a thought. Many of my "questionable" background recruits go the reserve route first then are hired on later full time because the agency has had a chance to see you and how you will perform and act. Its a great way to get your foot in the door.
Just a thought.. I hope it all works out for you whatever you decide.
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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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