Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hi guys,

I just got the denial letter from my cities Police Department saying I don't qualify for the job. There were more than a couple reasons though. I was wondering if there was another State (Ex: VA, NC) that has an easier hiring process that doesn't knit pick. Any information would be great, this is my dream job and it was just shot down yesterday. I've been attempting for 3 years but the cities budget never allowed hiring or well, getting far enough in the process to where I was just at.

Reasons:

1. Psychologically unfit due to "Unable to adapt to military life" (V.A)
^^ This is probably what really did it.

2. Financial - 7 bad history reports

3. Suspended license years ago

4. Trespassing violation 07/03 Sealed*

5. A few tickets, resulting in the suspension


Extra notes*

I was in the Military from 06-08 and was Honorably discharged for a back injury and the unable to adapt mentality. I was attached to a Special Ops unit and the tours were too much. I've worked security for the last 3 years with a spotless reputation and attendance record. I joined the military to have more experience for when I joined the force but I think it just ended up screwing me. Does anyone know of a location where I could possibly get hired?? I'm fine physically and mentally 100% and I'm ready to work and help people. I hope this isn't the end of the road for me. Thank you to all who respond.:nonod:

Dan, first off, Welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle!

As to your questions, I think you're correct in believing the inability to adapt to military life code in your discharge will be the end of any hope you have of becoming an LEO. Sorry to be blunt, but that's a game ender everywhere I've applied, and after many years here at RP, sounds to be a game ender from everyone I've heard ask it before in multiple other threads. Thing is, a LE agency is at the very least a para-military type organization, so if you couldn't make it in the actual military, what makes you believe some agency is going to spend money to train you only to have you either quit or be let go when you can't adapt to this lifestyle? I'm a retired Marine officer (over 21 years in the Corps) and I've seen more ugly in my last two years as a LEO than I saw in all of my time in the Corps.

As for all the other problems, while they might not be automatic DQ's, they are definitely things that make an agency go "hmmmm."

- Finances would depend on the agency as to how they look at it, but if you've got recent bad histories, then most agencies will do as your one did.

- How many years ago was your license suspended and for what? Driving is a HUGE part of LE work, and they don't want people with recent bad history. ** Just saw you mentioned a history of tickets, enough to result in your suspension. Again, HUGE negative for this field.

- Trespassing violation: Doesn't matter that it's sealed, LE agencies can still see the whole deal. Were you arrested? Convicted? Charges dropped? Definitely a black mark.

My recommendation is to either stay in the field you're in now as it seems you've done well for yourself, or if you must change careers, pick another field as your chances to get into LE are basically nonexistent.

Thanks for your service, sorry you left the way you did though. But as marinepilot said, a lot of us have been in combat (infantry platoon leader, Vietnam) and made it through it. That was stressful as hell, but it was 13 months. 28 years of police work was worse over the long haul.

I'm afraid you've also made too many errors in judgment for any department I'm familiar with to take you. The finances and the tickets show that you've flat haven't behaved responsibly and this is a job where irresponsible judgment isn't acceptable.

You may well be a great guy and have it together now, but departments can only guess at your future behavior by looking at your past.

Agree with the above 100%.

A PD can spend a ton of money to train you and can't afford to take a chance on someone who " can't adapt."

I'm going to chime in and give you an example; we are currently sending a young man through the academy, he is set to graduate next Thursday. All that to say this, we are paying his salary (required by law here) and by the time you add in the extras, it figures to be approximately $1500.00 a week. We aren't going to take a chance on a less than stellar applicant.

Just fyi.

Dan, first off, Welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle!

As to your questions, I think you're correct in believing the inability to adapt to military life code in your discharge will be the end of any hope you have of becoming an LEO. Sorry to be blunt, but that's a game ender everywhere I've applied, and after many years here at RP, sounds to be a game ender from everyone I've heard ask it before in multiple other threads. Thing is, a LE agency is at the very least a para-military type organization, so if you couldn't make it in the actual military, what makes you believe some agency is going to spend money to train you only to have you either quit or be let go when you can't adapt to this lifestyle? I'm a retired Marine officer (over 21 years in the Corps) and I've seen more ugly in my last two years as a LEO than I saw in all of my time in the Corps.

As for all the other problems, while they might not be automatic DQ's, they are definitely things that make an agency go "hmmmm."

- Finances would depend on the agency as to how they look at it, but if you've got recent bad histories, then most agencies will do as your one did.

- How many years ago was your license suspended and for what? Driving is a HUGE part of LE work, and they don't want people with recent bad history. ** Just saw you mentioned a history of tickets, enough to result in your suspension. Again, HUGE negative for this field.

- Trespassing violation: Doesn't matter that it's sealed, LE agencies can still see the whole deal. Were you arrested? Convicted? Charges dropped? Definitely a black mark.

My recommendation is to either stay in the field you're in now as it seems you've done well for yourself, or if you must change careers, pick another field as your chances to get into LE are basically nonexistent.

No need to be sorry for being blunt, it's what I needed to hear. In the Army I was attached to a Special Ops unit, I toured and the horrific experiences and certain things I had to go through were too much for me. The license thing I completely understand, it was like a 6 month suspension for speeding tickets when I was younger, like right after hs. Stupid stuff I can't erase. Trespassing violation, I was at a friends house and they told me where to park, but apparently the guy who's yard it was didn't think to fond of my car being there. I ended up doing community service.

Thank you so much for your answers and support. My dream job may be unreachable, but it won't stop me from helping my community in other ways. Thank you all for your service!!

Great attitude! Hang in there, I learned a long time ago that things always work out like they're supposed to and it's not important that we know the reason. Good luck.

With some time ( years) under your belt , you may well be able to come back as a viable candidate but I think you are going to have to " go above and beyond the call of duty " to convince a PD of this. It can be done but it will take WORK.

You DO have a refreshingly good attitude and that is a GREAT start.

You should choose another career. Sorry to dash your dreams but L.E. is not a career path for you.

Good luck in whatever you decide. Keep your head up!

Always the fire department and EMS.....both honorable and help the folks.

Always the fire department and EMS.....both honorable and help the folks.

Absolutely! Particularly EMS, there is a large demand for medical technicians... and it always looks good.

Again, thank you all. I've also thought about the Fire Dept because it comes with the territory but our towns FD is mostly volunteers and the ones who are on the payroll are in fear for their job security, unfortunately. Perhaps Homeland Security? I'm in the process of obtaining my pistol permit so perhaps armed guard. We shall see!

PS: Police and Military soldiers, you are my heroes. I wish you guys the best of luck out there. I know the stress can be overwhelming at times. Just know you are appreciated by most, even if they won't say it.