So what are the chances?

[bluetrinn]

Hello, obviously this is going to be yet another question of "so what are my chances to become a PO?". I've read over the forums here and undoubtly every situation is unique for everyone, but here is a basic rundown.

The Good stuff:
- I am 23 years old.
- Most of my college coursework completed pursuing a degree in Music. I recently had to leave college for personal (marriage) reasons and have always been inspired to become a PO. I do not anticipate returning to finish a degree in Music. I am bout 3/4 way done.
- Highly perceptual and self-motivated person. I do not anticipate the written and psychological examinations to be any difficulty at all.
- I am a recent husband and soon-to-be father. ;)

The Bad Stuff:
- I've tried mj approximately 2 times, all of which were at least 3 years ago.
- Recieved a misdemeanor offense of Minor in Possession of Alcohol at the age of 19 (nearly 4 years ago).
- Have recieved 5 speeding tickets in the past 7 years. All of them were recieved in Texas, and I will be applying for positions in the Atlanta, GA area. 2 of those tickets unfortunately were past the due date, and I was issued a bench-warrant for failure to pay (which i obviously have taken care of).

That's the basics. I am mostly afraid of my MIP conviction and the speeding tickets. Does it matter which state I recieved those citations in? The MIP was in Georgia (where i'll be applying) and the speeding tickets were in Texas.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, or a simple "I think you have a X% chance of getting in" would be awesome :D

[Nole795]

Nothing that you mentioned would disqualify you from a position. As far as the "what are my chances" well it depends on how many applicants the PD is hiring, and what your competition is.

Good luck.

[mxwelch]

Not a LEO but quite familiar with the hiring practices.

I have to agree with Nole, nothing that you mentioned would auto DQ but some of it is sort of recent, such as the MJ. If you can't get hired now then in several years maybe. I'm sort of in the same boat as you except the MJ charge. The problem isn't that we're so bad, the problem is that they've got people that are so good. Persistence is key.

[ChesCopPodz]

Most places want some time between drug use and applying. To me, the biggest factor seems to be responsibility. You tried MJ while knowing you were "inspired to be a cop". You also were caught underage drinking while wanting to be a cop. Doing illegal stuff while wanting to be a cop isn't bright. Believe it or not doing stupid things while wanting to be a police officer is more serious than just being young and stupid. You should know how to act while wanting this as your career. Getting 5 speeding tickets is irresponsible driving, then letting two of the tickets go and having warrants issued for you is highly irresponsible.

This stuff is not automatically going to keep you from becoming a police officer so you do have a chance. However, I do not see that happening in the recent future. I would say that if you keep your nose clean for about 5 years or so, have a good work history and finish your degree, you would most likely have a decent chance.

[Terminator]

Your chances are slim. Good luck....you will not be able to choose what department you want to go with. You will have to take what you can get.

[bluetrinn]

I see that a few of you responded on the MJ incident over 3 years ago... is that really a big deal considering I'm only 23 years old? Just curious again =D

To clarify I never was charged or anything for MJ.. Just the alcohol one.

[Terminator]

I see that a few of you responded on the MJ incident over 3 years ago... is that really a big deal considering I'm only 23 years old?

Yes

[cntryboy0531]

I see that a few of you responded on the MJ incident over 3 years ago... is that really a big deal considering I'm only 23 years old? Just curious again =D

To clarify I never was charged or anything for MJ.. Just the alcohol one.

Yes, there are quite a few places that want you clean for 5 years before applying with them.

And the bench-warrant, that was pretty irresponsible, it won't be looked highly upon..

Apply around, see what you can get. But like Terminator said... You won't be able to pick where you go, just take what you can get.

[jmur5074]

I'm going to agree with everyone and say, your chances are slim, nothing you said is an automatic DQ, and take what you can get.

No matter where the offenses took place, the BI will bring them up. If you have to go through a polygraph (In MN employers can give poly's, but can't use them against you) disclose everything. Lying is an automatic DQ for any department.

With all that being said, I know officers who have DWI's on their records. The biggest thing is, did you learn your lesson, and how long ago did it happen? Either way, Good luck, be honest, and see ya around RP!

[ChesCopPodz]

I see that a few of you responded on the MJ incident over 3 years ago... is that really a big deal considering I'm only 23 years old? Just curious again =D

Yes

[akfive0]

Yes the bench warrant is not looking responsible. But if there are mitigating circumstances there is always someone willing to listen and examine the issues. For the MJ well, yeah as most have said there needs to be some time between the use and employment. But is is not an immediate disqualifier. I am aware of departments that will hire with experimental mj usage.
Again like others have said you may have to take what comes along, meaning a smaller department and get some time and good experience then try to upgrade.
I think the speed tickets and warrant will raise more eyebrows.