Police officer after General Discharge?

[brandon12777]

Hey everyone I was just wondering. I was Discharged from the USCG with a Separation code of JFX(Personality Disorder) and a Reentry code of RE4 (not recommended for reentry). I was discharged due to depression over some rough things going on in my life at the time. When It happened they made it seem like not a big deal. I am recently thinking about changing careers and have been considering becoming a police officer. I was wondering if this type of thing will hold me back at all?

Thanks,
Brandon

Just looking at my DD214 real quick to clarify. Not sure if that actually means general or honorable.

Type of Separation: Discharged
Character of Service: Honorable

[mxwelch]

Everywhere I've looked into states that you cannot be dishonorably discharged so you should be good to go there. However the reasons you were discharged will be tough to overcome, IMO.

[DeltaV]

The separation and re-entry codes for the discharge are going to hurt you. I wouldn't say that it's an automatic disqualifier, however you're going to have to explain in detail why you were discharged and all the 'problems' that you were going through.

Departments are very, very wary about hiring ANYONE with a history of psychological problems. This is for obvious reasons. If you want to apply, go for it, however you're going to have a tough time ahead of you.

[Feisty]

Well, my brother had a rocky past and made it as a LEO (it actually shocked the crap out of me) He went AWOL from the military and spent time in the brig. He disclosed this during his Poly and on the application and still made it in. :confused:

[APDSarge]

I am fairly certain that Florida requires you must have an "Honorable Discharge", if it is not a Florida requirement it certainly is for every agency I am aware of in S Florida. (Your states requirements may be different)

[Revolver]

Your DD214 states you have an Honorable Discharge. Your RE code should only be used by the military to determine your eligibility for re-enlistment should you so choose to do attempt to go back to the CG down the line.

[jjstokestheman]

I am now banned..

[manahmanah]

All agencies that I know of require an Honorable Discharge. Good luck, but it's gonna be pretty rough trying to get hired.

[EMT11]

After being an explorer with my PD for 4 years, doing numerous ride alongs, attending a leadership academy at the FBI, and now preparing to test to be a LEO myself I have learned that one of the biggest things a police dept is looking for is HONESTY. If you lie or hide anything and they find out, you are done. Just remember no one is perfect. You did receive a general discharge which is characterized as HONORABLE so you should be ok in most states. However, I am not aware of the policy for past psych problems. The best thing you can do is be honest and possibly contact a medical professional to be cleared. But follow your dreams and you will get there. Nothing is impossible. Best of luck!