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Careers: Police/Prescription Medication

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Expert: - 5/3/2011


Question
Commander Wagoner, First off, thank you for taking time out of your personal schedule to answer questions in regards to careers in Law Enforcement.  I was especially happy to see that you have specific knowledge when it comes to seeking employment in Florida, as that is where I currently live and plan on applying.  My question is will a potential candidate face discrimination during the hiring process if they are on an antidepressant?  I am currently 24 and had a bout with depression 10 years ago (I was not hospitalized for it).  Since then I have not been clinically depressed but I am on medication for some minor social aniexty.  I have just graduated from college with a Bachelors degree, I have a steady employment history, and have no arrests on my record. I have no issues being completely honest with this issue I'm just concerned because unfortunately there is still a stigma against those who identified something was wrong and took steps to seek help (Military, Airline Pilots).  I have looked on a number of Police websites in South Florida and so far haven't came across any official policy on prescription medication.  What is your advice?

P.S.  I just wanted you to know that I have been doing "A LOT" of thinking when it comes to pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.  Including communicating with my cousin who is a Detective in Massachusetts.  I'm going in with a level head, I'm doing my best to understand this is a thankless career and no one is going to call you when they are having a good day. Of course I wasn't a boy scout throughout my life I just don't want to be looked at as someone who can't "handle" the job because they are getting treatment for a condition that is prevalent in our society.

Thank You.

Answer
Hi Derek,

There is no State rule on this, but each department has its own policy on it and you would have to check with the Background Investigator at each department.

http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/city-police-departments-in-florida

ALso you may want to ask them outright if theyconsider it an automatic disqualifier. I doubt you will have many problems with it, but as you say, not everyone understands the issues ans that includes police departments.

Good luck on your search!  

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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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