Careers: Police/OTH

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Expert: - 12/9/2011


Question
QUESTION: I see that u have answer a question about OTH discharges before, sir. I read the thread you linked too and it did not seem to have any information specific to OTH in LE. What do i say to them, How do i know which department will take me, I live in Texas and have sent away to get my discharge upgraded(so i may become a LEO) but you know how that goes, less then 50% chance. i was just hoping you could provide me with more direct and pertinent information.
I appreciate your time in helping me.
-Michael

ANSWER: Hi Michael,

It all depends on what your OTH was for and when. Thats very important. I need a little more information to go on.

Thnaks..



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It was for going AWOL in training. I had to take care of serious issues at home. The reasoning doesn't really matter as much as it is for AWOL while in AIT. I hope this helps as I have sent in my uppgrade packet and have to wit six months untill I find out if its approved so I can be LE. I want to know if I can still be emploied. I had a clean recond while I was in training, as little as that actually means when it comes down to it.

Answer
Hi Michael,

The OTH will be questioned and when you tell them it was for being AWOL, they will more than likely not like that much. Just being honest. But if you can get it changed, then you should be OK. Also if you can have a really good reason thought out for being AWOL and explain it well enough while in background then you might stand a slim chance, but it does not look good, sorry. Figure you wanted truth.


Be well and stay safe, and good luck on getting that stuff straightened out!

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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..

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I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

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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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