My chances

[zatokrup]

Hello all.

I've researched these forums some, and though I've found some information that pertains to my questions, I feel I still have to spell out my specific situation and hope for a brutally honest reply. As much as I would love to get into police work, I am afriaid I may have missed my window of opportunity.

First a little backround info. I did 5 years as a Security Police Officer with the Air Force. I have a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, and I will be retiring from the New York State Dept of Corrections (where I've been an officer and Drill Instructor) at age 46. The first obvious question is whether or not I'll be considered too old. I've read posts here that discuss this, and I feel that I'll be in good enough physical shape, and my life experiences to this point would be very beneficial to a department. I've dealt with plenty of stress on the job, and handle situations well. I've even got EMT and Fire Dept. experience under my belt. Sorry about the long resume, but I take alot of pride in my work.

Now for my biggest drawback. When applying for a job, I'm sure I will have to disclose that 22 years earlier I received a DWI here in NY (reduced down to DWAI). Although never a ticket since, I fear this may be the nail in the coffin of my dreams. What do you honestly think? Although I've got plenty of experience, I'm afraid being on the older side, and that blasted DWAI a lifetime ago will haunt me. Truthfully, the ticket won't even show up on my driving record, but I don't want to hide anything.

One more question: I've heard that down south of New York (as leaving New York winters wouldn't upset me at all) they look very favorably on our academies and peace officer status here I'm wondering if i might have a better chance in say S. Carolina or someplace warm like that.

I like alot of the professionalism I've seen on this site, and look forward to see what kind of replies I get. Thanks all!

[smoke63b]

Hey bud. Just gonna give ya my 2 centavos here :D

I'm no cop yet, obviously. Others may have more concrete advice so take this with a grain of salt.

In Texas, there are a few agencies that hire up to 45 years old. Also a few that will subtract any military time from your age. So for you that would be 50 as your cut off age. They are few and far between, but they do exist. The DWAI 22 years ago will probably be a non-issue. You were 24 and you have a TON of great experience and a great track record since. I call that one water under the bridge, but do make sure you tell them about it up front and I'm sure they will see that your younger bad decision making days are long gone. One department that may be willing to hire at that age would be the Irving PD in Texas. You should check them out. They have three application dates coming up in March, April, and May. Good luck and if you ever wanna think about movin to Texas and need some department websites or info, just pm me

[mcsap]

46 is NOT too old. And a 22 year old DUI/DWAI is almost invisible to a prospective PD. You have to disclose it but I don't see in any way how that would harm you now , especially with all of your attributes.

GO for it !


( USAF Security Police 1978-82

[zatokrup]

Some great words of encouragement there! Thanks for the input friends. I see in NY now we're able to complete a big portion of the academy on our own <and out of our own pocket>. I'm sure that would look more appealing to a department, as it would demonstrate that I've completed a large portion of my training successfully, and it saves the hiring town some money. So much to think about. Again, thanks for the input.

[Piggy]

I pm'd you with some hiring info.