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Question
Commander Wagoner,
It's Rey again. I was reading that link that you sent me and something in the disqualifiers caught my eye:
Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.
In particular the part of nolo contendere.
I did, in fact plead nolo contendere to a felony at the age of 17 in texas. They did give me deferred adjudication. So, here's my question. Am I still eligible because they gave me deferred adjudication? Is that what that last part, "notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication" means? Or am I eligible because I was only 17? In Texas I was charged as an adult.
Or does this mean that I'm out of luck?
I don't know who is the presiding party over such matters, but I was planning on attending the academy at BCC. Is there someone there that makes that call who I can ask beforehand?
Hi again Rey,
You forgot to take the rest of that sentence into account: "involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication." You did not plead to a felony involving perjury or a false statement.
So your OK. Hope this puts your mind at ease.
Follow-up Rey,
You are NOT disqualified. You can be an officer, and yes you can go to my academy in Gainesville if you like. You have to past all the testing and the rest of the background, but if you do, yes you can attend mine.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Ok sir, I'll take your advice and go for it! You know, I did read the whole paragraph but I could not for the life of me figure out if it meant plead nolo contendere to ((any felony)) or of ((a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement)). But, just to be clear, you are saying that it means pleads nolo contendere to ((any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement))? The wording is slightly confusing, and it means the world to me right now. I sure do appreciate your assistance with all this. I'm in Fallujah right now, but thank god for the internet. I tell you what, sir, if someone down in Melbourne doesn't read it the way you do can I go up to your academy!?? =) Thanks again sir, SSgt Narvaiz | ||
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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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