Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I am currently interested in getting a job in the law enforcement field. I am interested in all aspects of it. I would really like to get into the DPS but I am also interested in small cities too. One problem, I was adjudicated once when I was 16 for resisting. It was a onetime thing, since I have no problems, no tickets. I have a degree in criminal justice, and I need some input on what you all think. Would this onetime thing stop me from getting into the field? If so why, if not why?

One problem, I was adjudicated once when I was 16 for resisting.

Care to explain what happened, this is meaningless without details.

I was 16. My father and I did not get along at all. Was a teen with an "I’m a badass attitude." We got into it one afternoon and the neighbor called the cops because of yelling. The local Pd came by and tried to talk to me. I told them I did not wanna talk and tried to walk out the door. Needless to say they did not let me walk out the door. They put me in my place and was arrested then adjudicated with resisting. That was the only time I had been in any trouble at all. I learned my lesson and hope that one day maybe I can be that guy who changed someone.

I have also taken all the steps to have the juvenile files expunged. Although that will not stop me from putting it on a application. Hoped it was a step forward to showing that I do want a job in law enforcement.

I was 16. My father and I did not get along at all. Was a teen with an "I’m a badass attitude." We got into it one afternoon and the neighbor called the cops because of yelling. The local Pd came by and tried to talk to me. I told them I did not wanna talk and tried to walk out the door. Needless to say they did not let me walk out the door. They put me in my place and was arrested then adjudicated with resisting. That was the only time I had been in any trouble at all. I learned my lesson and hope that one day maybe I can be that guy who changed someone.

No arrest will help your application, but if what you said is how it went down (I'm not saying I doubt your story, but whatever agency you apply to will check the arrest records to verify your story - even if the charges/conviction are expunged) it probably can be mitigated with time (you said this happened when you were 16 but didn't say how old you are now) and mature living. Getting your degree is step in the right direction. Apply and let the chips fall where they will. If more time is needed between when a department will look past this arrest, get a responsible full-time job, pay your bills, continue to stay out of trouble and apply again with a couple more years under your belt.