2 quick questions for you knowledgeable officers..

[LightChaserPa]

1) If I have a DC, and a "disobeying traffic control devices" .. how badly will that hurt my ability to have any career in law enforcement? The DC is from a party. ( LONG story really short, It got busted, I knew better than to be drinking but was not intelligent enough to just NOT be there. I took a PBT, blew a zero, the officers let me off with a warning. All the others got their fines within a week. Three weeks later, newpaper came out, my name was in it - somebody screwed up - and my fine was hand delivered that same day. CYA. I went to court and after a long dispute with the judge he gave me DC instead of underage drinking. Same fine, just no license suspension) The traffic control device fine was all my fault. I was speeding. An FOP card kept me from points. Thank You Officer!

2) What entry-level positions are there in a police station, district court, etc that I could consider? I do not yet have a college degree and it's mandatory to become an officer around here. But I would love to get some experience as soon as possible. This girl is thirsting for the atmosphere!

[greg72982]

Do you live in Pennsylvania? Sounds like it, plus you got the "Pa" in your name. If you are heres the deal:

1) I'll need more clarification on the DC. The way I understand it you're saying at the scene you received nothing but later they sent you a citation. In court they found you guilty of DC instead of the original underage. While summaries aren't usually a problem, some places may look down upon it.

As for the obedience, again if you're in PA it won't show up on a driving record but it's a good idea to tell someone if they ask at an interview or something. I had 3 of those violations and it didnt affect me at all but at least I told them I had three.

[LightChaserPa]

Yes, greg, I'm a Pa resident. I heard from a girl who was still in school for CJ that you can't have anything on your record. But my uncle, who is in Narcotics in Coatesville, Pa, and was an Officer in Philadelphia said she was incorrect.

I beleive 100% in honesty so even if it were to hurt my application, I would need to tell the truth.

While I'm drilling everybody.... I'm interested in K-9. Do you have to have several years under your belt, or is this a position in high demand??

[phantasm]

one mover and one voilation is not an auto DQ. Aim for the larger departments.

NYPD you need 2 years military or 2 years in some of the other "enforcement" jobs (school safety, traffic, etc).

You just need the credits with a C avg or higher, not a degree. You can take 60 credits towards a BA, and not complete it.

[LightChaserPa]

Almost forgot to THANK YOU GREG, for your reply!

[greg72982]

Also be aware that a degree isn't required for every police agency in PA. I have a 4 year bachelor's but both places I work could have cared less (makes that degree seem real worthwhile :rolleyes: especially when i get the student loan bills each month). They hired another guy with me that didn't have any college. Some want 60 credits, some want a bachelor's, some dont care, all depends.

You may need to shell out the money for the academy though as it's rare to find somewhere that will foot the bill.

[steelcityk9cop]

You'll be fine. Just don't screw up any more! And when it comes up in the hiring process later on (and it will) be completely honest about it. People make mistakes, especially growing up….. but you’re close to the limits of “reasonable mistakes”.

[LightChaserPa]

Thanks for all the information guys! You're all great!

[scott715us]

I heard from a girl who was still in school for CJ that you can't have anything on your record

I doubt she knows any more than joe citizen. Listen to actual PA officers. I don't think what you have will kill your chances. Good luck.

[mcsap]

You got your wake up call and skated with only a DC cite instead of a 6308 ( underage). WISE up, quit going to parties where underage drinking is occurring ( doesn't matter if you don;t drink) or ANY drugs are being used. If you go to a clean party and such stuff surfaces, take a WALK.

It is YOUR future on the line.

And the typical DC cite rarely would DQ you but I am curious, what was the wording on the DC cite that was used ? Did they just say "... serves no legitimate purpose " or ?