can i be a cop?

Question

see i want to be a cop but i did sum bad things when i was 15 i was charged with assult 4 degree,driving without premit and licence,criminal-mischief 3 degree and Truancy. but i change and that was a long time ago. can i still be a cop?

cant you say anything nice dont say nuthin at all! *** holes (for the ppl who said sumthin smart)

Answer 1

Don't believe the other posters saying the record is sealed. Some of it will come up on a background check, so be honest about it when you apply.

You would be surprised how many police officers made mistakes as minors. To some extent youthful indiscretions are understood by the departments. The time between the charges and now, and what you are now doing with your life, is a big help.

The important thing is, be honest about it, don't try to sugarcoat it or explain it away, or blame what happened on anyone else. Own up to what you did, admit that it was a stupid thing to do and you learned from the experience.

Answer 2

You're getting some bad information. First of all, no records are sealed. That is a myth started a long time ago. Wherever it is you want to be a Police Officer, go there and check. They will tell you if the charges brought against as a juvenile disqualifies you.

Answer 3

Juvi records are sealed when you become 21. So its possible.

I just realized some of those were felonies. Even with a sealed Juvi record, it disqualifies you to be a officer. any felony CONVICTIONS are still disqualifying. Applicants must list all arrests and or convictions.

Were you just charged or convicted? That will be the major thing to keep in mind.

The following items: use of marijuana or any illicit drugs recently, several hazardous traffic violations, or any serious criminal offenses will be concerns when evaluating your viability. Applicants are expected to be 100% honest in these areas. All offenses will be evaluated by the Background Investigations Unit.

Answer 4

No.

As things sit, you likely can't ... *especially* if charges were filed against you as an adult.

What you would have to do is talk to someone about having your record expunged, and obtain a full pardon. To help you in this, take courses in Criminal Justice.

Please note that I am unfamiliar with the US Legal System, so I am unaware if the charges are felony or misdemeanor. If Misdemeanor, then you could possibly become a police officer. If you truely want to know, go down to the PD's Human Resoruces department (likely in/near City Hall), and talk to them about it...and be honest.

Please note that if they do decide to let you into the Academy, you still my fail the psychological evaluation, or the course work.

Answer 5

I'm honestly not sure.

Years ago, I applied to the MD State Police. I definitely remember they asked for full disclosure of any criminal stuff on the application. So, full disclosure is expected. Don't know if that would disqualify you or not.

Have you tried looking for the websites of the police department you're interested in? They might have a FAQ page for folks interested in applying.

Answer 6

Since your juv record is sealed, actually it is likely you can be.

you were a kid and made some mistakes. You may not get on a large dept, but if you look at some of the smaller departments there is a good chance.

Answer 7

Different departments are more lenient than others. You might have to get hired on with a less preferable department, then apply elswhere later.

Answer 8

Those happened when you were a minor and that isn't supposed to carry over to adult life. Yes you can be a cop but you'll have to lose those bunny ears. LOL

Answer 9

It doesn't hurt to try. All you can do is ask. That is considered a juvinile record so I think you may be in the clear, but I am not a police woman so don't want to lie to you. Call your local police dept. and ask them.

Answer 10

Well, they will have hundreds of other applicants who weren't hellions as kids. So I'd say it's doubtful. Go to school for forensics. it's a sweet law enforcement job.