Obstacles

[JujitsuFreak]

Im new here and have some things to run by you folks. It's late, please forgive me If I go on for too long or seem a bit naive.

A little about myself, I have always aspired for a career in Law Enforcement and to be a Police Officer. My most recent and only exam was in 2001 for the Mass State Police which I scored a 94 and I know for fact I can score better. Have you ever heard of a test that consisted not only of the written portion but also an oral portion(please tell me, so I can avoid them ); large projection screens, role-play scenarios, which there is no control and no sympathy if you got a lousy seat and could not see or hear well. This is where I went wrong because I have complete confidence in my ability for the written test; I know I answered every question correctly because I prepared very well for it and even went back over the written portion twice. I have done little to prepare for a career in LE, other than research and books of all kinds but in the end have been discouraged in lieu of aquaintances and friends who have gone through the process up to the last stage only to be turned down or was hired and after 1 yr of probation was fired.

In high school my grades were poor and my behavior was fine or at least Id like to think so; spit balls, kicked out of class, skipped classes - stupid kid things but nothing violent or majorly offensive. I believed at the time that high school was social school and had I known then what I know now... you get the point.

Immediately after high school I tried college only to drop it completely my first semester because I thought spending time with my friends was more important. Backed out of the Marine Corps, although never sworn in due to landing a big job - entry level at a large Telecom company. Pay was and still is incredible for the work. Worked there for 5 yrs, ages 19-24.

During the 5 yrs at the Telecom company, I was arrested for underage intoxication at age 19 or maybe 20, have to check to be sure, which was on family and private property. Along with the intoxication charges, charges of destruction of property under 250 were expunged or dropped due to noninvolvement and I suppose it is a personal matter because a known family member committing these destruction crimes knowing that I would never do such a violent or destructive act let me take the fall. After almost a decade of training Martial Arts to prevent these things, I feel betrayed by this family member and others for not owning up to their actions.

Immediately after high school up to the age of 19 almost 20 I experimented with a multitude of drugs, all misdemeanors and 1 felonious drug. I say experimented because in my opinion I wasn't that pothead or cokehead you knew from high school or the user from the clubs. I experimented occasionally, although too many to count but found that in hindsight it was largely a result of peer pressure and wanting to fit in. Haven't touched anything in almost 5 yrs. Importantly, after reading through the threads, is that I never had trouble with the law, charges or convictions in relation to drugs. Ive had my share of close calls though. And never sold or dealt drugs.

Ive had minor traffic violation infractions for speeding or not stopping at a stop sign around 20 yrs of age and I think only 1 ticket altogether. Ive been pulled over nearly a dozen times and here in Mass I have a step 11 driving record which is next to nearly perfect. 9 being the best and there is no 10.

At the Telecom company, I was fired after 5 yrs of work for job abandonment or unofficially quitting. Situation is this: 3 yrs in Im involved in a non fault on the job auto accident. Work denied my claim and I was terminated and sat out almost a year before being rehired for unlawful termination. Never adjusted well over that 1 yr off and got fired a second time for job abandonment. I quit the wrong way. Work is being done by my unions to change the records from termination to willingly left or quit.

I have a large amount in debt from 1 credit card, in the 20's that was charged up for that year off of work. Was 14k limit and is now in the mid 20's for interest. It has gone into collections so I don't know if I can still make payments on it. How does that work? I need to show that I am making payments or? It was just too big to worry about interest at the time. I am thinking of bankruptcy to start over, how does that effect anything? Also considering my bank to take over the card amount and essentially the card would be paid off and I would simply owe the bank, this option is desirable due to a 50% decrease in total amount if paid in full. My car was also repossessed during this time but that has been paid off for a year now. I have not had a credit card for over 2 yrs.

I have limited, under 6 months experience in security but exceled in all facets of the job and left on great terms. During my drug experimentation stage after high school I worked for an amored service corporation for over 1 yr and have seen my share of the millions, 1-5 mil a day was in my grasp. Trust, in my opinion should not be an issue.

I am currently enrolled in a liberal arts program to get the core's. I read that alot of Departments want CJ, however I have been told by those in the field that any field of study that is somewhat related.. let's say IT, so long as it can be advantageous to the Department will they consider it a positive. My goal is math and/or CJ, or CS. Surprisingly to others but not me is that I am doing remarkably well and have never had this enthusiasm for school in my lifetime; like I said - If I knew then what I know now...

Im 25 and I have never felt right in any of the career paths Ive had or worked in except security and feel that I have the mindset of the potential LEO. I can't take the same in same out day to day work. Im interested in the always changing work place, I believe I react well under pressure and lead by example in emergency situations. Im in above good health and I hope moral character. Ive felt useless in my career path and have since high school, having always felt the need for better such as making a difference in peoples lives, helping, protecting and encouraging. I have no family ties to LE and would be honored to serve as the first in my family tree. I train martial arts with many levels of LE; Federal, Local and State, with that, Im sure that I can find one or two willing to give references or even a ride along.

I figure if Im qualified and after the required coursework is finished, I won't be a LEO for another 2-3, maybe 4 years. Unfortunately I have these hurdles to jump over or simply run straight into, please let me know either way. If possible, please give your assessment of how I may fair, Ive tried to be as precise as possible. Please share your thoughts such as advice, criticisms, odds and any further tips you would care to share. Thank you

[Ronr]

Ron

[mcsap]

You're absolutely going to have a problem getting hired. There are 3 huge red flags that jumped out at me.

1. Drugs-Your drug usage in itself will dq you all over the board for many years, if not permanently.
2. Credit card debt-This shows extreme irresponsiblity. 20K in debt is high. Having the collections coming to get you is bad too.
3. Your job history. One word-unstable. How do you know you won't bring this instability to the police department?

Can you possibly get hired somewhere? Who knows, anything is possible. 5 years drug free is a plus. Some departments have pretty lax policies on drugs, and as long as you've gone the number of years needed drug free, you're ok. Not the norm though, most won't hire you if you've touched the hard drugs. The CC debt..if you can get yourself out of it, maybe that will show some sort of responsibilty.

In conclusion-it looks pretty bleak. You're going against people who have strong work history, clean backrounds, college etc. Unless you make a huge impression somehow, you're gonna get washed out. One advantage you have here is your age though...You're 25, and perhaps if you 15 years of clean respectable living, you can get hired around 40. These days, I've heard of that happening more and more.

I wish you the best of luck.

Ron

I can't really add anything to Ronr's reply. You do not look like a good prospect to me.

[JujitsuFreak]

I sincerely appreciate your replies as they are a bit of a wake up call.

Can you possibly get hired somewhere? Who knows, anything is possible. 5 years drug free is a plus. Some departments have pretty lax policies on drugs, and as long as you've gone the number of years needed drug free, you're ok. Not the norm though, most won't hire you if you've touched the hard drugs. The CC debt..if you can get yourself out of it, maybe that will show some sort of responsibilty. In conclusion-it looks pretty bleak. You're going against people who have strong work history, clean backrounds, college etc. Unless you make a huge impression somehow, you're gonna get washed out.

In my search Ive come across almost a dozen departments with generous policies, small compared to the hundreds like you said. The norm for the small number of dep's is 5 yrs drug free. CC debt im not worried about, I was just worried about debt in your past being a problem even after it's paid off. Ok, since I wasn't, nor am I a druggy, and I can come up with a plan to erase the debt.. the only thing that really concerns me is the job history. Even though the records will soon be changed from termination to quitting does that still have a bearing? I know I would have to come clean anyways and explain to them that originally I was fired but it got changed to quit, how do you see it? what's the specific's? I was under the impression that even agencies can't go into your job history specifics under law, rather they can only verify your length of employment.

I have a path if the employment history is a serious problem but I don't know if it would be a positive. Ive already looked into public service, community policing, volunteering, auxiliary police, dispatch.. etc etc. and Im excited if Im able to do it. But I was thinking of joining the military reserves. I want and need structure, leadership skills, quality training.. I figure, believe me, Ive been thinking of this since my teens, just never had the gall to step up and the job was a factor as well, but I figure this may say something about my commitment and attitude towards my goals and add that to the community involvement and degree completion, best case scenario - could I be hired then by age 30? 15 yrs from now is a long time... dunno please give me your opinion. thank you for your time

[coucousis]

Considering your now 25 or around.... You should have stabilized earlier.... It's not too late yet but considering that you haven't prove anyone yet that you can be trusted and do the same job for a while.... You have quite a bit of work to do!!!! Get a steady job.... work well and earn respect from your boss and fellow employee.... Pay you debts....Get out of the situation you placed yourself in to .... then .... If your not too old .... you may give it a shot...

Honnestly.... at this point with your carreer path.... nobody will even look at hiring you as a LEO... You would need to show a lot more stability and wisdom to make a good first impression on any recruiting officer...

One thing is sure ... If you choose to try out LE carreer, you have quite a bit of a slope to climb. You might want to look at other carreer!!!

One good point however, You know where you stand now and you know that you won't be able to make a decent life if you keep going this way....

Good luck in your futur project!

[JujitsuFreak]

Please understand I am thankful and appreciate your replies.

Unfortunately, I don't believe Im getting the answers Im looking for. I understand my chances are bleak based on my past... but Im no criminal either. This is why I searched for advice, not to remind me of my mistakes but for suggestions on how to improve my standing. I apologize if I wrote too much, but many questions seem to have been overlooked. How can I improve my status? Military? Of course, I know school is vital.

It's not too late yet but considering that you haven't prove anyone yet that you can be trusted and do the same job for a while....

Thank you, so I need a job for awhile.. can you suggest something that might help? volunteer anything? community etc? Please understand I know I can't possiblity be hired now, this is why Ive come here to find out if there's something that can be done.

Also, I need to be clear that my recent employment is being changed to quitting, how does this change anything? Im probably dead wrong, please inform me but I thought that employers, including law enforcement can't look into job history specifics due to privacy laws and the like. Based on the circumstances of my recent employment and knowing the specifics, If my town hired a police officer and was in the same past situation, as a citizen of the town and knowing the specifics I wouldn't have a problem with that hiree so long as he didn't have a criminal record... sure, the competition should be high, but this hiree should be given a chance.

Overall, I realize my mistakes and chances, what may you suggest not to fix them but to improve my chances? I thank you all for the advice and tips on clean, respectful living... aside from the criminal aspect(because I know that wont be a problem), how can I specificly make a good impression? Thank you for your time

[mcsap]

The "multitude of drugs" is in my opinion your biggest stumbling block. Some drugs are permanent DQ. Others require a waiting period. You will nedd to find out as you apply, and that isn't a good way to start out. " Uh, what is the waiting period on the following multitude of illegal drugs ? "

2nd item is the debt. Get it cleaned up ASAP ! Drop cable tv and get a second job if you have to .

Not trying to be harsh but to give you an honest reply.

[wild800]

I don't believe Im getting the answers Im looking for. I understand my chances are bleak based on my past... but Im no criminal either. This is why I searched for advice, not to remind me of my mistakes but for suggestions on how to improve my standing. I apologize if I wrote too much, but many questions seem to have been overlooked. How can I improve my status?

I understand your disappointment in the answers which you have received, but they are honest answers, and an accurate appraisal of your current situation. I did background investigations for my department for several years prior to being promoted, and have disqualified applicants with less problems. I am not saying you are a criminal or to give up; just understand that some of the things you have done in the past are not indicative of the core values desirable in a law enforcement officer.

You may be able to improve your chances of being hired by paying off all of your debt even the ones which have been charged off, working steadily at a job for five years (military or civilian), finishing your college course work with good grades, and continued abstinance from illegal drug use.

Your past will not be "erased" if you follow this advice, but the outcome will be extremely beneficial to you in whatever career path you decide to follow.

[JujitsuFreak]

Not trying to be harsh but to give you an honest reply.

No harshness detected.. that's what I was looking for.

Your past will not be "erased" if you follow this advice, but the outcome will be extremely beneficial to you in whatever career path you decide to follow.

I agree, if I try the LE route and fail I will still be a better person and better prepared for whatever career I decide at that time.

I realize what I have to do..

I appreciate your replies and thank you for your advice.