Eligibility and who you associate with

[MrWingo]

I’m asking this question for the same reason I asked my eligibility questions, but it’s a different subject, so I started a new thread.

In browsing your forum, I’ve noticed responses to many inquiries about who a person associates with, and how that might affect eligibility for becoming a LEO. Obviously, if a person is a member of a gang or associates with known felons on a regular and voluntary basis, I can see how this would raise red flags even if the subject does not have a felony record himself.

Let me share my story with you. When I was a child, my parents divorced. My mother moved in with her new boyfriend and took her kids (including me) with her. This living arrangement, which was not my decision, continued until I reached the age of 18, at which point I moved to a different part of the country. Then I did the whole school, job, marriage, kids thing and have lived a fairly uneventful life since then.

The problem is, and I only learned this around the time I left home, is that my mother’s boyfriend is a felon. I am almost certain that it had to do with narcotics, but I’m not entirely sure and I’m not all that interested in learning the finer points of this man’s personal history. I do not generally come into contact with him except at family reunions, because he and my mother are still involved and still live together. He attended my wedding, for instance. My relationship with him during the time we lived under the same roof was unpleasant, and that is putting it politely.

Given that I was a minor at the time, and that being in the aforementioned situation through no decision of my own, what (if any) effect will this have on my eligibility?

[Wombat311]

Be up front and honest and I don't foresee any major problems regarding that.

[txinvestigator1]

You had no knowledge and no control. I don't believe you should worry.

[Kimble]

Be up front and honest and I don't foresee any major problems regarding that.

Wombat took the words right out of my mouth.

[valycop]

As a BI I wouldn't even think twice about this you had no control over your situation; don't let this worry you.

[MrWingo]

Alright. I figured it was NBD, but I had to ask. Thanks.

How do you recommend I proceed in the future WRT family get-togethers and such?

[JR_23]

The problem is, and I only learned this around the time I left home, is that my mother’s boyfriend is a felon. I am almost certain that it had to do with narcotics, but I’m not entirely sure and I’m not all that interested in learning the finer points of this man’s personal history. I do not generally come into contact with him except at family reunions, because he and my mother are still involved and still live together.

It sounds like you're being open and honest, tell your BI what you just told us. I'm sure you can still attend family events, just don't become beer drinking buddies with him.

[mcsap]

It is the people you CHOOSE to associate with who are bad news that can come back to haunt you later.

[Joeyd6]

Honesty...and you will be fine.