I have to know your thoughts...

[Strife2013]

I have posted before, but think it might have been in the wrong forum. I have a couple of issues I would like help in clearing up.

1st: DQ's for drug use. I have Smoked marijuana, I think a total of 4-5 times, if that all but the later when I was 14 or 15(never caught mind you) and the later when I was 19, which was just one drag, but still enough to taint my body for the higher path I seek now. Will I be dq'd automatically though I regret my stupid mistake and have put nearly 5 years between my self and the fool from before?

2nd: I have a past(bet you haven't heard that before lol)... When I was 11 I managed to get myself into enough trouble to get put on probation, IE: stealing from my friends house, the item being a .22 piston about the size of a medium hand. I believe I was charged with minor in possesion of a handgun, but could be off on that. I am currently seeking a way to find that, Luckily some LEO's have already pointed me in the right direction(special thanks to Piggy,Whitebear,mcsap,and sgtbear111). Now that was not where it ended, oh no I was dumber still. About 3 months into my probation I committed myself to a friend, to help him steal a computer from my middleschool. Yes... I know... there aren't even words to describe the depths of my idiocy as a child. The "friend" continued to committ a rash of burglaries on the school, without my presence, I told him that we hadn't gotten caught left no tracks, and to cut it at that. He kept the computer at his house, and was busted about 3 weeks later after, I believe 4 more incidents at the school, and bragging about it to the school idiots. Needless to say the police were called and he rolled on everyone, including me... I deserved to get caught, no argument. I was then placed on house arrest and became a model citizen. there were absolutely no problems after that. I was placed in a school called north hieghts where I finished my eighth grade year(which had just begun).

After these things happened My grades were no less than and A+. In High school I got lazy about junior year, my girlfriend then(my wife now) got pregnant, and I ended up failing my eco and government classes as a senior. I am not sure what my GPA in school was, which I am attempting to find out, but I ended up dropping out.

I hit bottom when I was 18. Between being a terrible father to my 2 year old daughter( by not caring) and shirking my job at a beef packing plant, which resulted in my termination from said employer, we lost our home and had to move in with her parents. During this Time I was inches from losing the best things about my life, until one night I was sitting up counting my mistakes when I came to a realization. I really wasn't a bad person, i just made terrible decisions. I then began trying to come up with a plan for the rest of my Life. I soon remebered the first time I got into trouble(the gun incident) The juvenile detective, that handled my case didn't try scare tactics, He sat me down at his desk, and talked to me, like a person... not a stupid kid... a human being that needed to understand a bit more about life. I'll be honest I can't remember everything that he said to me, it didn't come to me until that night, sitting in recliner in my in-laws home, pittying my poor path, that I really took in the things he said. The one thing that sticks most in my mind was the answer he gave me when I asked him why he was a cop; "Nick, I do it because everyday I wake up I know a purpose in my life, and because I can't think of any other way to spend the rest of my life, than to spend it helping people"
I swear to everything under the heavens that I felt I knew then what I was meant to do right then and there. I am extremely passionate about this, and will do whatever is needed to, to set my life straight for my family and myself, and that for me is being in the service of the public as a police officer, serving those who can not help themselves or just need to be put back on the right path. So if I am wasting my time I really need to know. I understand that records are sealed from the public and not from the fed/loc/state officials, and I am completely ready to own up to my mistakes, for which noone is to blame but myself. But the real question is... am I setting myself up for a huge dissapointment. Respectfully awaiting advice from the men and women I hope to one day count as my brothers and sisters at arms, ~Nick P~ Amarillo,TX

[Roger Dat]

Well thats a hell of a past and I am glad you made the right choices to turn your life around BUT......

Marijuana usage not a big deal wouldnt DQ you, Dropping out of school, losing your house which could have caused bad credit, losing a job, the mulitple thefts especially WHILE one probation for the same thing, and the possession of a handgun are very serious and would sink you at the departments around here.

[Strife2013]

You think it might effect me that bad even if I was 11 when it all happened? Well luckily the house was a monthly rental, with no formal documents to agree to. Everything else will still run against me. Thanks for your opinion.

[Roger Dat]

Its not so much that it will DQ you but when compared against all the other candidates with cleaner backgrounds it will be tough for you to remain competitive. All you can do is try.

[Kimble]

You think it might effect me that bad even if I was 11 when it all happened?

You said in your own words this didn't all happen when you were 11 yoa:

I have Smoked marijuana... and the later when I was 19, which was just one drag, but still enough to taint my body for the higher path I seek now.

and

I hit bottom when I was 18...

Don't change your story now.

[Sierra]

Actually, ROS, he said that the criminal elements (drug use aside) occurred when he was 11-12.

As previously stated by Rogerdat, the drug use is not necessarily a DQ based on the number of times used. The five years that has elapsed since is good as well. Has it been long enough? Depends on the department's criteria and how competitive the hiring process is when he applies.

Theft of a firearm (regardless of caliber) and burglary is a harder one to overcome. Again, perhaps the fact that they occurred as a juvenile will help, but it does put him at a disadvantage. I do not believe they are DQ events, though.

You siad you dropped out of high school. Did you obtain a GED? If not, do so. You may want to consider college coursework as well, to make yourself a little more competitive and marketable. No, it does not have to be in Justice, but don't get a degree in underwater basketweaving, either.

Losing your house undoubtedly had an effect on your credit. That may be an issue, especially since at your age, you don't have enough of a history to balance it out. You may need to better your score in order to meet criteria (poor credit rating may mean you are more susceptible to graft, etc).

Your work history is an issue. Involuntary separation (being fired) from an employer reflects poorly on a candidate. You may need to show a longer, more stable, history to be considered.

Are you out of the running? No, but you do have several leg cramps that will need to be addressed to win the race. Good luck.

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

You have a lot of baggage. I would look for a nice civilian career.

[Valor55]

One thread is plenty.