Background Worries

[Gretzky]

I'll try to make this short. Essentially, at 30 years old I feel a strong urge to pursue a career in law enforcement and in whatever small way I might contribute, work to make my corner of the world a safer and better place. Still, I worry that my past will prevent that from ever becoming a reality. In January of 1999, I was convicted of DUI. Since that time, only minor moving violations have occurred (the worst being a speeding ticket a few months back for going 38 in a 25--how stupid!) Will that be enough to prevent me from a career in law enforcement?

Two local communities are currently accepting applications, and while I'm certain that I'm fit and qualified, I just wonder if I'd ever make it far enough in the process to prove that to my would-be superiors.

Any info/advice that you could offer would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time and have a great day.

[acreature]

Most Dept's that I know of would have a buffer period between hire and the DWI..... In NC, the Certifying body would have a minimum of five years between certification and a Misdemeanor conviction.

[sbrad]

DUI isn't always a killer, but like the rep ***** said above it does take time.

[Gretzky]

Thanks for the quick responses. It is much appreciated. And I did just notice a typo in my post...the DUI conviction was Jan '94, not '99.

Take Care!

[acreature]

DUI isn't always a killer, but like the rep ***** said above it does take time.

Cry me a Ruckin' Fiver you whiney *** :D

[GoDirectly2Jail]

It may or may not be a dealbreaker. Ask yourself this: if you had two otherwise identical candidates, but one had a DUI while the other has a clean record, which one would you choose?

There are many LE applicants who don't have any negative driving history whatsoever, and you are competing with them for a position.

Not trying to bring you down, but you have to realize you may need to go the extra mile to be attractive to these agencies. Best of luck.

[JD45]

10 years is a good buffer. Our agency has hired those convicted of DUI, but with a substantial wait.

As GoDirectly2Jail stated, there might be more than one person applying for a position and you might have to do 'extra' to prove yourself more than the other canidate because of the DUI.