Will my background prevent me from becoming a police officer?

Question

I have quite a few driving infractions, including driving while suspended, driving without insurance, and speeding. I also, unfortunatley, spent a few short self-imposed stints in a mental healthcare facility. I really would love to be a police officer more than anything else, but I am worried that my past will keep me from being able to do so. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The driving stuff is rather minimal considering they do check all of your records. Credit, reference, background, school, and all the other stuff.
If your driving stuff happened when you were younger say 17 18 ish it may not prevent you from being recruited, however if it just happened last week at age 28 or so they will see that you havent matured and will continue this behavior and that is liability for them.

My first advice is to get a drivers record and see how bad it looks,and if it looks bad wait a few years(time is on your side) and make better decisions. Also, you could also take driving classes to help clear up this little problem. Everybody makes mistakes and they know this but if you continue you will never make it.

The self imposed vacations at a mental ward is better than they showing up tazing you then dragging you off to the ward. If there is anything that is Violent behavior or along those lines I would choose another profession.

If you look like a risk then they will too, you could also wait the years get yourself cleaned up, and work security. Yea I know security long way from a cop but it does work. You spend hours patroling, observing, and preparing to do the legwork of a cop. During this time you could work out, work on a degree in crim justice which will also look favorable in their eyes.

Good luck
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Answer 2

Yes a record will hurt him/her anything above a class b misdemeanor I have a class b and I just tried for the police dept. and the sheriff but they could not take me for the fact I had a class b.Your friend will have to wait 10 yrs. before the record will clear then they can try to get in the academy.Class B,A misdemeanor or any Felony.

Answer 3

The psychiatric care would probably take you out of consideration from most departments.

The driving record could, as well. Your best bet is to simply pull up online the recruiting requirements of the department you want to apply to and see what their standards are. I know NYS would not allow you to work in my industry (private investigation) with an inpatient psychiatric record.

Answer 4

You probably won't be able to get hired at any police departments however I'm sure b can get you a job at the Burger King he manages. Hey b get this kid a job will ya.

Answer 5

I am not thinking that you would be able to get a job as a licensed peace officer with that background.

Answer 6

In Ca. you'll get to be a cop....Forget NJ...3 tickets (of any sorts) and no chance in heck you'll get the job not to mention the psych stints! pd's want cops who are mentally STABLE....not UNstable....coulda thought of not getting tickets....try the peace corps, buddy!

Answer 7

The mental health issue will help you get a job in certain jurisdictions. Naming no names...cough cough, California, cough.

Answer 8

7years without any convictions and 90% of all infractions will be over looked. In the state of Texas the wait is seven years.

hope this helps...........

Answer 9

Odds are against you.
in most U.S. states and canadian provinces, you need a virgin record to submit your candidacy.
Police officers need to be over all suspicions and doubts.

Answer 10

Check with Reno 911 and see if they are currenly hirinig????