Background Investigation, Is This a Deal Breaker?

[crimjus11]

Hi everyone. I apologize for bringing this subject up again, but each case is unique to a person and the answer to my question isn't as obvious as someone's "I stole a car and sold drugs can I still be a cop" question.

I will be graduating from a four-year University this Dec. During my time in college I have been involved with a Police Explorers program, I have been a resident assistant, and participated in an internship program. I have worked at a factory over the summers and I have always thought about how my choices impact the future. Over the past few years I have shown that I have excellent character and work ethic by excelling at my jobs and receiving recognition for my hard work.

However, I was young once, still am, but I was not always so focused on LE. When I was 16, my first job was at a grocery store. I worked there for over a year and took about 4 sodas during my employment. The assistant managers would do it too and I guess I followed their lead. I knew it was wrong and I should have told someone higher up about it. Regardless, it was theft from an employer and I'm sure that is not looked upon too highly.

The second screw up was my freshman year in college. I drove a couple of friends to a grocery store. They were talking about stealing a bottle of liquor on the way. I told them I didn't want to have anything to do with it. We got to the store and went separate ways. I bought some items and went to wait in the car. They came to the car and had put a bottle of liquor in a cereal box and got it out that way. At the time, I didn't know what to do to stop them without getting in trouble myself. I guess I should have just turned the car around and told them to go alone.

Other than those 2 poor choices, I have a completely clean record, no convictions, tickets, or accidents. Also never tried any drug. I have really worked hard at being a competitive applicant and I am pretty sure I will make it to the background phase in someone's process. Obviously I will talk about those instances, but do any Officers out there see this as a deal breaker. How would your respective agency look at this?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Citicop]

Be honest about the events, and I see nothing that would disqualify you outright.

-Citicop.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Agreed, there are no auto-dq's there. Just be honest and expect to be grilled about those items.