How's my background?

[Ryckets]

I'd like some insight from some of the law enforcement folks around here, particularly those who have worked in background investigations or selection processes. I'm just curious about how my background stacks up and whether or not at this time, I'm a good candidate for law enforcement jobs in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. I'm currently 22 and a cadet in a police academy self-sponsored. Here's the background:

GOOD

- Excellent grades in high school, graduated with distinction from college, B.A. in Criminal Justice
- In 3 months, I'll be police academy trained.
- Credit score in the 700s.
- Interned at a municipal police department and did very well. My Sgt. told me to call him when I'm applying and he'll give a recommendation.
- I've done volunteer work, including the special olympics and coaching a youth lacrosse team.
- I put myself through college and now the police academy while working part time all the way through (shows I have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and still succeed. Also shows how focused and dedicated I am)
- Never arrested or convicted.
- Decent driving record, no points.

BAD

- When I was younger (like many kids) I did a few things I'm not too proud of. Nothing that grades above a Misdemeanor 3 though. (yes, I've looked through the crimes code) Nothing within the last 3 years aside from underage drinking.
- Used marijuana a total of 5 times form ages 17 to 19. The last of which was 3 years ago. No additional drug usage.
- My youth, I believe, is a weakness. Also, I have no prior LE experience or LE related experience really.
- At a job I worked from 2008 to 2010, I was written up in 2010 and asked to switch departments. I had no interest, so I resigned. Looks bad I know, but other than this, I have pretty much flawless work experience since age 15 including my current employer (3 other jobs).

And that's pretty much me. What do you guys think? Feel free and encouraged to be brutally honest. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[CPL1897]

The only issue I see is the cannabis use, only because its only been 3 years since the use and most Agencies require a minimum of 5 years. The usage itself could be "defined" as experimental since it was 5 times in a couple of years time.

The college degree is a definate pluse. The job resignation should not be an issue, but you can expect the BI to ask you about it in depth.

As a former BI, I really don't see any issues other than what I mentioned and why.

It seems that you are already understanding how competitive LE is and what kind of candidates you will be up against. With that said, based on what you have stated you appear to be a good candidate and have a "equal" chance at LE.

My only question is, you mentioned never being arrested and the only crimes you have done are no more than misdemeanors. So what other crimes have you commited? Any thefts? Any criminal mischiefs? Did you just smoke cannabis or did you ever sell or grow any? You can see where I am going with this, the BI will have even more specific questions. And if you fail to "admit" anytging questionable it will show up in the poly and then you are an immidiate DQ, which in turn will prevent you from ANY agency hiring you!

[Ryckets]

The only issue I see is the cannabis use, only because its only been 3 years since the use and most Agencies require a minimum of 5 years. The usage itself could be "defined" as experimental since it was 5 times in a couple of years time.

The college degree is a definate pluse. The job resignation should not be an issue, but you can expect the BI to ask you about it in depth.

As a former BI, I really don't see any issues other than what I mentioned and why.

It seems that you are already understanding how competitive LE is and what kind of candidates you will be up against. With that said, based on what you have stated you appear to be a good candidate and have a "equal" chance at LE.

My only question is, you mentioned never being arrested and the only crimes you have done are no more than misdemeanors. So what other crimes have you commited? Any thefts? Any criminal mischiefs? Did you just smoke cannabis or did you ever sell or grow any? You can see where I am going with this, the BI will have even more specific questions. And if you fail to "admit" anytging questionable it will show up in the poly and then you are an immidiate DQ, which in turn will prevent you from ANY agency hiring you!

Tried to send PM but your box is full

[CPL1897]

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[Ryckets]

Sent.