Expert: Chris Wagoner - 10/17/2007

Question
It has been nearly 2 years since my college graduation, and for the majority of that time I have worked temporary office jobs while trying to break into film and television writing. Well, two years in and I’m pretty much NO closer to my goal. I’m seriously considering hanging up my pen and stepping into the real world.

I've always had an intense interest in justice and law enforcement and want to ask a person in the know what kind of candidate I'd make for police work, given my various factors.

MY STATS
-24 years old
-5’10”
-195 lbs
-Run the 1.5 mile in about 16 minutes
-Pushup and sit-up requirements are no problem
-Weight lifting requirements no problem
-College Graduate: 3.4 GPA
-Good credit score
-No Felonies or misdermeanors on record
-No speeding tickets, one minor fender bender 2 years ago...no injuries

Now I need to loose some more weight and shave some time off my run, but I think I can get the physical reqs in order. Likewise, the pistol/shotgun qualifier seems like it would be a breeze due to my love of target shooting and familiarity with firearms.

I do wear glasses. You never see cops with glasses anymore. They’re a weakness in an attack situation. I’d need to do something about that, lasik or contacts.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

Answer
Hi James,
When can you sign up for my Academy?

First with what you gave me you are a candidate ahead of many with your good driving record and no arrest, and a college degree and the ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE IN WRITING and more than likely speech.  You would be surprised at the number of people that cannot write a decent sentence or even talk correctly.
 
One thing you did not list is past drug use, you have to take that into consideration as it can be a disqualifier in some cases.

In Florida our hiring is governed by law, specifically Florida State Statute 943.13. You can view it by going here: http://www.policecareers.org/ . And clicking on Recruitment.

Law Enforcement is a GREAT career. I have loved every minute of it. Its a secure job, you never hear of police layoffs. The pay is not great but decent, and the benefits are very good. I would say that at your age, you are perfect for a career change and starting your Law Enforcement one. But why can you not write also? I have published two technical publications while being a full time cop. Plus I do this here, volunteering to answer questions. So you could still pursue your writing also. Best of both worlds.

Glasses are not a real issue but contacts would be better and corrective surgery is fine also.

So look into it, check it out and seriously think about it. I love this field and highly recommend it to someone that does not want the same old daily routine day after day, as police work is a different day every time you walk out the door its not just a job its an adventure (I have heard that somewhere before. :) )

I hope this answers your question, feel free to ask any more you may have, and I hope that you decide to join the Law Enforcement community, we need good young people to take over from old timers like me someday when I decide to retire at 99. :)