So I have had a rocky past. I had a possession of marijuana charge when I was 16. I was into a lot of drugs when I was younger, but thats the only offense and it may have been dropped. I had an underage DUI when I was 19 and that was dismissed also, but shows up as being dismissed on my record still. I also had a misdeameanor petty theft when I was 19 and I had that expunged off my record about 3 years ago. For the last 6 years I have stayed out of trouble and been taking pre-med and nursing classes carrying a high GPA.. I really want to attend the police academy, but all the talk of polygraph tests and the fact that its already challenging to get a job scares me. Although my record is clean now (had it checked through FBI fingerprint)...I'm afraid I may be looked down upon when it comes time to get a job. What do you all think?
2007-03-04 11:52:41 · 9 answers · asked by kicker0927 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
A misdemeanor conviction or arrest for DUI and a true finding or arrest as a juvenile for a misdemeanor marijuana possession are NOT going to be automatic disqualifiers pursuant to federal law. I do not know of any state law that makes these automatic disqualifiers, either.
That being said, there are some agencies that hold a zero tolerance policy with drugs and alcohol. Many agencies will look at who and where you were at the time of the offense, and what you have done since then. I would encourage you to go for it! But, be honest and open about your past. If you try to hide or obfuscate it you will NOT be hired. If they find out about even after you start work you will be fired when they discover the deceit.
Give it a try. There are agencies that will hire you even with a couple of hiccups 6-9 years ago. School, gainful employment with one or two employers since then, and staying out of trouble will all help.
- Carl
2007-03-04 12:40:19 · answer #1 · answered by cdwjava 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since its been six years it may not matter. If cases were dismissed it may not count against you per se. It also varies from state to state. I know that NY and MA would both look past the misdemeanor charges, but may start you off on probation work (ie deskwork for a while). Im a CJ major in MA and this is all stuff we have to look into.
2007-03-04 11:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by J. R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have had a very rocky past. Your chances might be tough, but I suppose there is that possibility that you could make it.
Have you considered the military to show that you can handle pressure without reverting to your previous habits?
NYCPD very much favors a military background, and this would show you are willing to serve your country and have rehabilitated yourself.
2007-03-04 11:57:36 · answer #3 · answered by 9D4KHP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to try the US military. They are taking people with criminal backgrounds now. Otherwise, try cities where they are desperate for police officers. Careful about the low wages.
2007-03-04 11:55:47 · answer #4 · answered by ToYou,Too! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give it a try, the worst that can happen is you get rejected from the police academy.
2007-03-05 02:04:18 · answer #5 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Minor crimes could not affect your application for police officer because it might be disregarded.
2007-03-04 11:56:12 · answer #6 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you better set your sights on another career.
2007-03-05 07:20:14 · answer #7 · answered by Keith 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
perfect .... have you shot anyone yet?
Cops are mindless killers, except for a paycheck,
why join the butchers?
Don't you care about your eternal soul?
2007-03-04 12:36:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your hopes seem dim.
Apply and find out.
2007-03-04 11:59:31 · answer #9 · answered by Sgt 524 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋