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Hi Chris, thanks for all the great advice and insight you've given to all those who are seeking information on the path of becoming and being part of law enforcement. i just recently separated from the Marines after 8 years, honorable discharge, nothing negative in my SRB and nothing negative in my background. the root of my inquiry is just trying to figure out what the best way of embarking on a career in law enforcement is. i know i want to live in Florida, Gainesville/Jacksonville area, and have applications in at police departments in both places but i haven't heard anything back from either yet so i thought maybe i should start looking into attending the academy on my own dime. even if one of them does see my application and does decide to call me, I'm currently living in Alabama and by that time i could be half way or all the way done with the academy. what do you think i should do? i have the GI Bill at my disposal which i saw you referenced on the other website. and if do end up deciding to go ahead and put myself through the academy without a department sponsorship, is it as easy as calling up the academy there in Gainesville? im just looking for the most direct and and if i may use the word "easy" route to get the ball rolling. thank you for your time.
Good afternoon Andrew,
It's as easy as calling 352-271-2942 and asking for Joanne. She will guide you through the application process to get in the Academy. You then should also speak to our veterans assistance area at the college and they will help you with any of the paperwork necessary for applying for your G.I. Bill to make payments so that you can get your Academy paid for and a living stipend at the same time. I currently have 7 to 12 veterans in the Academy right now using this very same G.I. Bill.
It's that easy. If you have any more questions call that above number and speak to Ms. JoAnn she's very knowledgeable about getting people in the Academy including veterans.
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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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