Question About NYPD Eligibility

[beamer]

Hi all,

I recently received a letter to complete an APD-5 from the NYPD to begin the process for the July 2012 class. I took my test over 2 years ago.

In June 2008, at 23, I was arrested for a DUI in Maine while working as an intern. I plead guilty but as able to continue my job and advanced my career without any interruption. My boss was completely understanding and helpful through the process.

In June 2009 I was arrested for a destruction of property and public intoxication charge in VA. I was accused by a cab driver of breaking his windshield wiper so I waited with him in front of my apartment to speak to the police. When the police couldn't decide who was right, he placed me under arrest because I had told him hours earlier I had drink a few glasses of wine with dinner. I was never asked to take a test for my alcohol level.

In court, they were both eventually dismissed.

I am now 27, self-employed and have been successful in my career. I have learned from my DUI mistake and rarely drink anymore. At the time of the July class it will have been 4 years since my DUI.

Am I totally ineligible or will I have the opportunity to talk about these mistakes with someone?

I have been waiting for this call back for years. I know these stains on my record will come up but am hoping they will not disqualify me completely.

Any advice or guidance is very much appreciated.


Thank you

[Joeyd6]

You will have an oppurtunity to speak to somebody about it. You BI investigator will not hammer you on it......but the psychologist will!!!!!! I am going to tell you right now you are borderline DQ. Nobody in the NYPD cares what you were convicted of. The agency knows there is a huge difference between arresting charge and convicted charge.....with the arresting charge as being more accurate of your actions and the conviction more accurate of what an overloaded court docket looks like.

The job of a cop is stressful and many run to the bottle to solve their problems. The NYPD has had a history of issues with cops, drinking and DUI/DWI and causing accidents. They do not want any more issues and thus if you have a drinking problem history, they are going to say you will likely do it again under stress. Some can come back and say they were young and dumb. You though can't do that. In 2008, you were 23 or 24. At that time of life you are expected to have some maturity. And then, in the same year, you have a second run-in with the police. The psych services is going to grill you on it.

I would not bet the farm on this. Re-take the next test...wait another 2-3 yeasr, and you might have a better chance.

[beamer]

That makes sense. I am glad I will have the opportunity to explain this to someone.

Thank you for the insight!

[Joeyd6]

No problem and good luck! Keep us informed!