Straighten this out,.

[Ryan]

Okay as everyone prolly knows by now, is the one thing I am worried about is my background, my shaky job history stealing from a job and being suspended from school all the time. well the thing is i grew up graduated from college hold some steady emplyoment now and am 20, why is it someone said that my teen years will hold me back from employment, dont police interviewewrs know that people dont always makle the right choices as a teenager. I dont get it, cause this is all I want to do., I am 20 now and I want to get in asap

[Solego]

If you don't apply, you'll never find out, will you?

[txinvestigator1]

Stealing and and being suspended "all of the time" are more a matter of character than maturity.

[LBomb]

Originally posted by txinvestigator1
Stealing and and being suspended "all of the time" are more a matter of character than maturity.

"Nuff said.

[Stump]

I agree with you completely, TX.
In addition, Ryan, being 20 is not being "grown up". Maybe wait another 7-8 years before applying...

[Solego]

In my opinion, you're a little young to be a cop. I know I was when I first started, and it almost cost me my job. Think about doing something you've always thought about doing, other than being a cop, and do that for a few years. That's what I did. I always had an interest in horses and working on a ranch, so after the acaemy and while cop job hunting, I got a job as a ranch hand working with horses. If not that, think about what you would like to do on the side to make extra money. I am going back to school to get another degree in building construction so I can start developing land on the side. Or you could just get a girl friend who's a med student, whichever.

[justice]

Being 20 is not that far removed from your teenage years. You are probably going to have to take a few years to demonstrate that you have grown up by getting and keeping a job and staying out of (and away from) trouble. Just keep your goal in mind and keep applying, even if just to keep yourself educated about the system, and don't get discouraged. Remember, impatience is a sign of immaturity.

[Ryan]

Thanks Justice, and everyone else, I was thinking now of waiting for a while before I apply because of the age thing, What I was going to do is go take some courses, i was thinking of learning a new language. and take some other classes in the mean time. thanks all, Then if all goes well and I grow up i will get on a force, take care all

[Solego]

Was I nice that time Stump? I'm trying really hard.

[Charlie]

Ryan--I can only add to the insightful comments made by everyone else. You're still young. A lot of agencies prefer someone just a little older probably more around 25 yoa age or so.

As far as your past chronic problem with poor decision making,......this could pose a problem for you but I would not say you're permanently out of the picture. And yes, realisitic PD's are not out there trying to hire Jesus Christ to be a cop! :D No one is perfect and PD's know that it is quite common that we've all done things as kids growing up. BUT, it depends upon over all what you've done and the circumstances. Some departments can be more forgiving than others with these issues.

Your best bet is in my opinion to:
* Get some more schooling under your belt.
* Wait a few years before applying for a PD job.
* Contact the PD recruiter you have interest in and find out if your past indiscretions will be a serious issue or problem. If it will, to hat extent? it may give you a better feel of where you stand before putting in all the time and effort in trying to land the job.

* And stay out of trouble in the meantime!

That's how I see it. Good luck!

Charlie

[MarineDispatch]

" And yes, realisitic PD's are not out there trying to hire Jesus Christ to be a cop!"

This has to be the best thing said on this site yet. (except for Stump telling off Solego in the ride along topic)

[MarineDispatch]

Here is my opinion on all this:

You are 20 yoa with college under your belt. AA anyway. I say you go into the military. Sign up for a LE job in the military and spend four years gathering valuble training and also continue your education while you are in. You could get out at age 24 (prime age for a lot of PD's) with a Bach degree and LE exp.

The education is free and you get paid to do it. You would look so much better to the PD's because you already went through basic and gained discipline (hopefully) and you would have a college degree. I truley think for someone in your postition that this is the best bet. Good luck.

[Island_Girl]

Most officers have the type of character that would never have done the things you've said....but, apply with the knowledge that you'll be found out on all counts and your integrity will definitely be put to the test.

[cjw2k]

Can you not be cop anymore at 20 or 21? Sure life experience is a good thing to have when wanting to be a police officer but whatever happened to the days years ago where people would graduate from high school do some volunteer work and get their AA and get hired? Do those who work in LE right now see officers at 21 or is there a hidden minimum age requirement of 25? This bothers me as I'm a high school student with university not to far away. Do I have to do a job I truly don't want to do for a few years before I become a police officer? Just wondering about your opinions on younger officers.

[abirtz]

I just have one question as to how you can already be finished with college and considered to have held down a steady job??? I mean most don;t finish with college until at least 21 and a steady job requires at least a year or two so are you some kind of super kid who graduated high school at 15?? :D