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Careers: Police/Military Discharge

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Expert: - 12/1/2007


Question
Im 20 years old, I live in Florida, and Im getting ready 2 begin applying to various police departments. When I was 18 I was given a Chapter 15 (homosexual) Entry Level Seperation from the army. Ive been told that I will not be able 2 be hired under these conditions. I have also been told that Im not even required to mention it when applying due to the fact that it was an Entry Level Seperation. I have nothing else on my record that would prevent me from becomming a cop. I have no prior drug use of any kind. Im in great phyical condition. I am also the Head Of Security for a bar...so I have alot working in my favor (not to mention that I am not gay...I just decided that if the army was going to lie to me, I had the right to lie back). What are your thoughts on my situation? Any Knowledge you could pass on would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Hi Bryan,

Well that type of release from service does not disqualify you from being a police officer. Only a Dishonorable Discharge can do that. See FSS 943.13 for the laws covering what can and can not get you disqualified.

As for mentioning it, thats up to you, but I would say honesty is the best policy. Most applications ask about military service, and even though it was short, you did serve. So its up to you.

Where are you thinking of applying? I know a lot about many agencies in Florida, having lived in South Florida and now in North Florida.

Good luck!

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Chris Wagoner

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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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