Will having a impaired vision and simple assualt disqualify me for a career in Law Enforcement?

Question

More than 7 years ago I was convicted of driving while impaired. More than 10 years was the assault charge (not domestic). Since then I have earned a degree in Law Enforcement and joined the Marine Corps reserve. Also, served proudly in Operation Iraqi Freedom just recently. All in order to show how serious I am about my future in either Law Enforcement or Corrections. Please help me by giving your advice.

Answer 1

The DUI was a misdemeanor and should not be a big deal. The Simple Assault, if it was a misdemeanor, is old enough not to be a disquaifier either. If it was a Felony, you are toast.

You military service and degree are both big pluses. A lot now depends on what agency you intend to apply for. Some agencies think they are so great that they only take what they consider the best of the best. Others are a bit more sensible and can recognize early mistakes for what they were, errors in judgment.

Take your shot. Not being selected the first time around does not mean some other department won't pick you up if you apply there.

Answer 2

If the charge was a misdemeanor, it probably will not disqualify you. The vision problems might. If your vision can be corrected to 20/20, or at least 20/50 you might have a chance. Glasses won't disqualify you.

If the assault charge disqualifies you from your local police departments, apply to the New Orleans PD. They've taken people with felony convictions.

Doc

Answer 3

Those things are not total deal-breakers...but you have to know that they aren't going to help.

Becoming a Police Officer is a competitive process; this means that you usually can't just slide in with the minimum requirements, you have to be better than the other applicants for the posisiton.

Having said that, time is your friend. If you can successfully show that you have overcome your past mistakes, then you may certainly have a decent chance.

Thanks for your service-

Citicop.