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Question
Mr. Wagoner -
I am happy to have found you here on-line. I have not read your on-line book yet but plan to do so. Long story short. About 10 yrs ago I was accepted to and going through orientation w/the Miami-Dade Police Dept. My name also came up on the list for the NYSP. I am the daughter of a New York State Trooper (ret.) and Police Chief. Law enforcement is "in my blood"
Regrettably I did not go on to become a police officer. My life went in a different direction (marriage & children) I have come
to realize how big a mistake giving up my dream was. While I am happy to have three wonderful children, giving up my dream has cost me. My near perfect credit I had when I met my husband has suffered a tremendous set-back in the past decade. It is poor. Recently, we were approved for a car loan that is creating positive credit. I am obviously quite concerned about this going forward in the process. The last 10 years of my life do not represent who I am and I will not let it define me.
With the agencies I have looked at, it seems these types of things are looked at on a "case by case" basis. This to me is the only thing I have going against me in the whole process, but it concerns me.
I am looking at a few agencies in FL, would appreciate your thoughts on the above and look forward to reading your publications.
Thank you for your time.
Liz
Good Morning Liz,
If that is the only thing that you're concerned about then I would not be worried at all. Law enforcement agencies these days realize that the economy has caused many good people credit issues. I would stop letting this worry me and not let it prohibit you from continuing on with your dream of becoming a police officer.
You really need to take a couple of minutes and read my webpage as it will answer quite a few questions for you it may make you feel better about your application process.
Good luck, be well and stay safe.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I appreciate Mr. Wagoner's time and expertise. It is of great value to have someone who has such great knowledge and is willing to share it at no cost. In entering law enforcement nothing can be taken for granted and it is essential to have the right information going forward. Mr. Wagoner's anwser to my question and his publications and web page will help anyone trying to pursue a career in law enforcement. I am greatful for his service. | ||
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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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