Can anybody help answer this?

[jwilliams2209]

Hi my name is Julia and I'm almost 20. About 2 years ago when i was 18 I was arrested for shoplifting. It was a misdemeanor case and I did my probation and community service and my case was closed. I had a lawyer and he made it so my case is "non-public." I'm in my second year of college and I would really like to pursue a career in criminal justice to become a probation officer. The only thing that is holding me back is the fact that any government agency can see my record. I don't want to go through all that schooling only to find out I'm not able to get a job. Before I make my career choice I want to make sure I am able to be hired. Can somebody help answer my question?

[G35 Mass]

In my opinion, and take it for what it's worth, 18 is a little old to consider property crimes such as shoplifting simply a kid thing. It's not going to look good at all.

That being said, every day police officers are hired who have overcome much bigger hurdles. A lot will come into play. 1) your honesty about what happened. 2) time that has elapsed. 3) supply / demand of candidates. 4) your record and reputation since then.

As bad as it sounds, I honestly think the supply/demand may be the biggest factor. Up here in Mass where there's 130 applicants for 1 police job, that's almost an instant disqualifier. In places that can't find / keep bodies, hiring authorities are likely to let a little more slide.

No one is perfect. Some just don't have imperfections on their record.

[pac201]

Where I am larceny is considered a crime of moral turpitude (shoplifting=larceny) which in turn is an auto DQ. I suggest you contact the state police officer standards and training commission to get a definitive answer.

[Samuel]

Around here, just about ANYbody can be a probation officer - some of them (more than a few) are just as dirty as the POSes they're supposed to be supervising...

[mcsap]

You NEED to contact your state office that certifies police officers to see where you stand.

Even if you can meet the minimum standards , you will have a LOT of competition who were NEVER arrested and why should they hire you over them ? Would you hire you over them ?

[retdetsgt]

I can't speak for probation officer, but it would be a tough hurdle to be a cop where I worked. As G35 Mass said, we will give a pass to some juvenile offenses, but at 18 you should have known better.

But standards vary from state to state.

[jwilliams2209]

Thank you for your answers and opinions. I will contact the state police. It kind of sucks because once I started college I found criminal justice so interesting and I thought it would be good to sort of "give back" in a way. I guess that's not the case though, but thank you once again for your help!