Police Blog: Ask-A-Cop, Police Officer Law Enforcement Resource

If you would like to get your question answered by a real police officer, please post it in the Ask-A-Cop forums.  This area only allows certified police officers to answer your questions.

I have a Question……….Recently I was arrested and charged with Unlawful assault in the state of West Virgina. I have yet to have my preliminary hearing, so I haven’t been convicted of it. I am 20 years old and I am currently going to school for criminal justice for about 2 years now. My dream for as long as I can remeber is to become a Pennsylvania State trooper. I understand if I am convicted of this it is a felony and my dreams will be shattered. I am extremly overwhelmed with stress and heartache over this stupid mistake..I have become very depressed… I want to know If I am found NOT guilty will I still have a chance of becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper? Even though I have a record now of being arrested?

That is true.  If you are not actually convicted, then legally (in most states) you can still be hired as a police officer.  However, you will have to explain the situation.

If I had vision in one eye and I wanted to become a cop no matter what could I be able to do so. Im very strong have great vision in the other eye. I want to be a cop so bad and im taking the test in 2 months. I could become a great cop If giving the chance. or could you recommend a position that could have me work simiar to a cop career that doesnt require vision in one eye. I been doing so much research and so far you need vision in 2 eyes. I would get a laywer involved to allow me to become a cop.

You need to have 20/20 corrected vision.  Corrections may allow this in certain states, but I don’t know which or if they do.  Good luck.

I just finished 4 years of active duty in the military. I went to Iraq and came back. I was planning on applying for several police departments in south Florida. I was visiting my friends in NJ and i went out for a few drinks. I was driving the car and i got pulled over after leaving the bar. I refused to take a brethalizer and i took it to court. After 3 months of trial delays, the final result was a DWI conviction and a refusal to take breathilizer conviction.  My drivers licsense was suspended for 7 months. Do i still have a shot at becoming a police officer?

You do have a shot; however, you will have to explain why this happened, and even more over, why you refused to cooperate.  It can be done though.

Hi gentlemen, I am a Cpl in the Marine Corps Reserve I recently got of my two year Mobilization in which I participated in OIF III. I have been married over three years now and have a new born child. I am currently attending community college and have always wanted to be a police officer. My question is regarding disqualifications. When I was still in high school I had a seasonal job at a baseball stadium, I was a parking cashier I basically took about $500 dollars it was most likely allot less than that it has been over five years. I also have been fired from two jobs it has been over three years since I got fired. Would this disqualify me from becoming a police officer? I have learned from my mistakes and have matured; I have a family now that I have to take care of. Any comments or knowledge regarding this will be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time gentlemen.

Semper Fi!!!

You certainly have some explaining to do.  In short, yes it will “hurt” your chances.  However, you are not automatically disqualified.  You do however have to convince a board that you will not steal again and a good employee.