So, tell me what you think?

[SPD1766]

I am 40 years old and am in the process of hiring right now. I turn my personal history packet in Monday, Jan. 8th. Here is my question. I have smoked mj quite a few times as a teenager. When I was 17 I got arrested for drinking and driving but it was dropped to reckless driving. Went into the Marine Corps in 1986, thought that they would change my ways, which I now know is only up to me, but got involved with some disgruntled marines and snorted crystal meth one time and popped on a pee test the very next morning. Well, they gave me a choice of an admininstrative separation (oth) or I could fight it, well, being in the frame of mind that I was in, I accepted the discharge. Now I know better! Anyway, got out of the service, continued to drink and smoke pot. In 1989 I was convicted of a misdemeanor DUI. In 1994 I was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and paraphnalia.

In 1996 I had a come to Jesus moment after getting pulled over again for drinking and driving, at the officers discretion he called my dad (insurance was in his name) to come and get me. I started realizing that night how I have messed up my life. I started reading the Bible and I gave my life to Christ. In 1997 I felt that God was calling me to full-time ministry. I went to Bible College and also got married. I received my Bachelors degree in pastoral ministry with an emphasis in counseling. I have been in full-time pastoral ministry for the last 7 years. My last ticket was in 1997 for doing 45 in a 35. I haven't desired to have a drink of alcohol or smoke marijuana or do anything else that might be harmful to me or someone else for the last 11 years. I am still in the pastorate, but I have always wanted to be in LE. I had an awesome interview when I took my entrance exam, which I scored the highest out of the 5 that passed the test. The detective was very encouraging about my the last 11 years of my life. So, what do you think?

[tatersalad]

I don't know about that department, but for a lot of departments one DUI is a big problem and two is usually a permanent disqualifier, not to mention meth use. Also, getting arrested with narcotics is a problem. Any discharge other than honorable can cause problems. It's a good thing that you got your life straightened out for both yourself and your family, but I think many departments will view you as a potential liability and will not hire you.

[sgtbear111]

I don't think you would get hired as a sworn LEO. Too much bad stuff over your early adult life.

You have a lot of experience from those years that pertain to consequences and learning the hard way. If you continue with your ministry, you will make positive changes in the lives of others. You survived and have a box of tools to share.

You might approach a police agency or fire department as a volunteer Chaplain. Your past may not be seen as a liability within the role of ministering to the police or fire services and those that they serve.

Many times the presence of a Chaplain is to support the supporters, as they do some of the ugly parts of the job. The Chaplain going along on death notifications is a big help. Chaplains may be a resource for those with drug and alcohol problems, your experience and recovery has great value.

Your mind and your heart are in the right place.

[tiger6088]

Since giving your life to Christ, how do you feel about using deadly force?

[Kimble]

Since giving your life to Christ, how do you feel about using deadly force?

Nothing in the Bible (either Old Testament/Tanakh or New Testament) says anything close to forbidding one from taking the life of another in self defense (i.e. threat of death or serious injury) or the defense of someone else, and these are the only times a LEO can use deadly force as well.

One's faith as a Christian or Jew is immaterial regarding legal deadly force situations.

[Kimble]

Went into the Marine Corps in 1986, thought that they would change my ways, which I now know is only up to me, but got involved with some disgruntled marines and snorted crystal meth one time and popped on a pee test the very next morning. Well, they gave me a choice of an admininstrative separation (oth) or I could fight it, well, being in the frame of mind that I was in, I accepted the discharge.

You separation from the USMC under non-Honorable Discharge circumstances would look bad enough, but the fact you tried crystal meth will prevent you from being eligible for employment with every law enforcement agency I've encountered. The fact you also have a pattern of alcohol and marijuana abuse is only adding more fuel to the fire, but I say with certainty that it is EXTREMELY unlikely you can be eligible for employment in a position of public trust (i.e. sworn LE) indefinately.

Keep putting yourself in a positive direction in life. God will steer you towards where He wants you to be. The Sarge's suggestion about volunteering as a chaplain is a good one, too.

[SPD1766]

tiger, deadly force is not an issue with me. I would do whatever it would take to protect my life, another officers life, or anyone else's life that might be in jeopardy.

[SPD1766]

I want to thank everyone who has responded to this thread. I truly understand what my chances of being hired are. I have most definitely made terrible choices in my life and have and will continue to pay consequenses for my choices no matter how I am living my life now. But, I figure being 40 and this is definitely the best time of my life, this would be my last chance to try to do what I have always wanted to do. I know that God will continue to lead me in the direction that He wants to me to follow, and if that is to continue to pastor then I will be the best pastor that I can be, and if by some miracle, I am accepted as a LEO, then again, I will be the best LEO that I could be with His help. Thanks for all the replies. Keep'em coming!

[Drummadude]

So did you get a dishonorable discharge from the Marines? My local department and many others require "Shall not have received other than an honorable discharge from the military, or other discharge with honorable conditions."

And being 40, I don't know what departments would look at you. Most of the departments in my state stop hiring at 36; 37 if you are laterally transferring.

Good luck.

[Kimble]

And being 40, I don't know what departments would look at you. Most of the departments in my state stop hiring at 36; 37 if you are laterally transferring.

That is certainly not the case everywhere (like here). Departments in my area will accept those who are within hiring policy parameters, are most-competative in the interview/screening process, and can pass the physical agility test. Whether one is 21 or 41 (and sometimes even older) is immaterial if all these conditions are met at most departments here.

I've known of applicants in their 50's who made it through the process successfully.

[Drummadude]

Yeah, I was just confused, because most LE agencies around here strictly say you can't be above 36. Maybe that's just on their websites, and they do care more about credentials, but I don't think so.

[Roger Dat]

We have the same age requirement here unless there is military service years, basically if you cant retire before 55 with 20 years your out around here unless they've changed the rules

[deputywave]

And being 40, I don't know what departments would look at you. Most of the departments in my state stop hiring at 36; 37 if you are laterally transferring.

Good luck.

I'm gonna have to correct you on this one. ISP has changed their age limit to under 40 at time of appointment. City departments have a maximum age limit of 35-36. Sheriff's departments and small town departments have no maximum age limits. There were a couple of 50 year olds in my academy class and the next class had a 60 year old.

[SPD1766]

Drummadude, no, I didn't receive a dishonorable, but an oth. I know that's not good. When I asked the leautinent about that DQ'ing me he said not always. I am in Salina, Kansas by the way, and 40 years old is not a problem for them.

[SPD1766]

Well, I turned in my Personal History packet this morning. I know that my chances are slim to none, but hey, I'll never know if I don't take the chance. I would hate to look back on my life knowing that I didn't even try to become a LEO. Please be praying for me. Thanks.