Bad choices

[VeniVidiVici]

After I finish college I plan on applying to the police academy so I can fulfill my dream of becoming a police officer, but I’m concerned that I won’t be able to accomplish my goal due to some bad choices that I have made. In junior high and the beginning of high school I was stealing prescription drugs from my parents, drinking alcohol and smoking weed and cigarettes.I have gone through major depression to the point where I have slit my wrists and I was on antidepressants for a year till I decided that I wasn’t going to take them anymore. I’m better now, sober and I am learning to deal with the depression. I have learned from my mistakes, and decided that i am willing to do anything to become a poice officer. I plan on going into the military, am currently training to be a lifeguard, I'm a member of C.E.R.T., and I am actively involved in the community. Is there a chance that a department will even consider giving me a job?

[Somebody]

I was told by my FTO...

"If you are still here in 5-6 years, and the Commander asks you if you want to go to a really neat school called 'Background Investigations', just say no...."

I am starting to understand why =\

Even if the depression and drug usage doesn't get you, I will bet the theft will. I am by no means a final authority on any sort of BI, so you really need to talk to one... but theft always jumps out in my mind as a "Hell no". I am sure you will get a few more opinions though.

[txinvestigator1]

On the slim chance that you are NOT a troll, I will answer this: LE is not for everyone. Even if "its always been your dream" or whatever. Some people are just not cut out for it. Neither are all people cut out to be a Surgeon, or you name it.

I believe you probably fall in this category.

[mcsap]

Yes, the suicide/self mutilation and the theft of drugs are large red flags.

[rdp]

The stuff you encounter in LE requires a strong person. If you are battling these problems still (which it sounds like you are), LE is not a good choice.

The suicide issue/depression is big along with the dope.

[VeniVidiVici]

so i should just give it up, even if i get things straitened out, continue with the lifeguard thing and go into the military. My mistakes have ruined this for me? I'm 15 and I've allready screwed up my life

[txinvestigator1]

NO one said you were ruined for life. Infact, go back and re-read my post.

[VeniVidiVici]

What would help my chances of getting onto the police force, if there is anything that I can do?

[txinvestigator1]

You can keep your nose clean, perhaps join the military; however, just becasue you may not be suitable for LE does not mean your life is "ruined"

[VeniVidiVici]

i never said that my life was ruined, i said "My mistakes have ruined this for me. I'm 15 and I've allready screwed up my life" I’ve screwed up and I know it now. On a ride a long I did with an officer in the area that I live in I was told “they aren’t looking for perfect cops, they want honest cops.” He didn’t know that I had done drugs or anything, none of the adults in my life do, but I let that guide me. Thinking that it’s ok if I do it one more time I’m not making it into a lifestyle out of it. I figured as long as I was honest in the end it would be all right. That was really stupid of me, and my own stupidity may have cost me my dream.

[Somebody]

You are only 15? Heh, well, as said above, just stay clean, maybe do a few years in the military, get an education.... I dunno, anything you can do to show people that you are well beyond that stage of your life. Good luck to you.

[Jynkxxie]

My mistakes have ruined this for me? I'm 15 and I've allready screwed up my life

Sigh...Just wait until you get older... ;)

[nealopp]

Sorry to say this, but if you were on antidepressants, and especially if you tried to commit suicide, I think it will be extremely hard for you to even get into the military. best of luck to you anyway

[antoinette]

if there's prozac in your past - forget the military... I personally know two cops on antidepressants-- however, there's a catch.
Evidentally, the police department in this particular city are quite supportive of the Medicated Among Them--- provided that the condition is determined to have been occupational ( resulting from police stress ).
(probably for insurance purposes????)

this same department also requires that their recruits have no felony record prior to employment--- go figure?!?

[mcsap]

Military would be GOOD for you. Call and ask a recruiter for their requirements etc. Then you will know.