Can I be hired with my record?

[mintone]

I would like to know if any Police Officer Organization would hire me with my record. I am currently going though the review process with the NYPD and I have a DCAS (review by a board) date of 14 February 2007.

The positive aspects of my background is that I am a 42 year old Black Male, an honorable discarged Veteran of the Marine Corps (1986-1990), current member of the United States Army Reserves (1997-Present), My job in the Marine Corps was Legal Service Specialist (Paralegal), and my job in the Army Reserves is Military Policeman, and Legal Service Specialist. I have been employed with my job with the New York City Transit Authority since 1990, and I have been married since 1986 (separated for 4 years) and have three children.

Now to the negative.......I was arrested in NYC in 1984 for DWI (my first arrest), I paid a $350 fine and was released. My second arrest was in NC while I was in the Marine Corps in 1988 for DWAI, I paid a fine and was released. From there I arrested in 2005 for Gun Possesion. A hand gun was found on my property (in a house I was living in with my girlfriend). She found the weapon when we were building in the attic. She wrote a statement to that fact and because of my good record for 16 years the charge was broken down to a misdemeanor. I pled guilty to the charge to get back to work after being out for almost a year, and to not go to jail.

All thoughout my life I have lived it a certain way because I always wanted to become a Police Officer. I had problems with bad decisions and alcohol when I was a much younger man because I was stupid. I don't blame anyone but myself and accepted the pain that was connected with it. I never ever did drugs because of my upbringing and the dangers of usage. No pot, cocaine, or anything. The past mistake with the gun was a series of events beyond my control becuse I never owned a gun a day in my life (besides the military). I never allowed guns in my house because of the kids and the plain illegality of the whole situation. I have tried to become a Police Officer all my adult life, but was turned down because of my driving record. After all the time that elaspes since my last arrest this latest thing comes up.

My question is should I try to procede with a career in Law Enforcement with my record, or should I just give up (something I don't do). Also is their any academy I can join or anything I can do to try and prove myself and is their any department big or small that would consider a person with my record? Any response to this thread would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Valor55]

You have a lot of time since your DWI stuff so that probably won't hurt you anymore.

The 2004 charge is recent enough to be a concern. Just be honest about it and let them sort it out.

Even if it doesn't disqualify you, you may struggle being competitive with guys who have never been charged with a crime.

[mintone]

Thanks for your input. I appreciate your response.

[txinvestigator1]

Your GF turned YOU in to the police for a gun she "found" in the attic in a rental house, and you were charged?

[mintone]

We were having an argument and the next door neighbor called the police when he heard "gun". My GF said ".....and you better take that gun out of here because I will tell them it's yours". She said it out of anger but it still hurt me just the same. I was going to bring it in the the Police Department the night before (when it was found) but it was so close to me going to work (10pm to 6am) and I didn't know how long it would take, and didn't want to be late for work. We both agreed to put it out of the house and that I would return it in the morning when I got off of work. When I got oof that morning we got into that argument and that's when all the trouble started.

[finn]

...

[mcsap]

OK, how bad is your driving record ? ( not counting the 2 old DUI's)

[mintone]

My driving record is not all that great. Not that I'm not a good driver, but I made mistakes. I have had some seat belt violations (2), a couple of red light violations, and a few more. All have been satisfied and are a more than a few years old. I have made amends for my past, but I wish I could stress this point to anyone seeking a career in Law Enforcement KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN, IT WILL FOLLOW YOU FOR LIFE!

[mintone]

I would love to work for the LAPD if just for the change in climate, or just to relocate. Most of all to become a Police Officer. Do you know if I can apply with my age (42 yrs old)? Thanks for the encouragement Finn!

[mintone]

A lot of people have came to and read this thread, but have not left an opinion or response. Please any advice in any form (positive or negative) would be greatly appreciated. Take a sec and leave a response.

Thanks all!!

[LA5150]

I would love to work for the LAPD if just for the change in climate, or just to relocate. Most of all to become a Police Officer. Do you know if I can apply with my age (42 yrs old)?

I don't believe there is an age limit anymore. Here is the link to the recruiting site for LAPD:

LAPD requirements

[GoDirectly2Jail]

From another LE board:

"Crystal Ball" questions are difficult to respond to. For example, some members post a lengthy autobiography followed by the question: "Do you think I have a chance to get into law enforcement." The answer to a question like this one is simple: No matter who you are and what you've done, nobody can answer this type of question with any degree of certainty. Often times your likelihood of getting into the profession boils down to things like written and oral communication skills, knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the hiring process, the type of position you're seeking, "who you know," and other factors. Your best bet is to contact the agencies you're interested in and ask them directly.

[txinvestigator1]

A lot of people have came to and read this thread, but have not left an opinion or response. Please any advice in any form (positive or negative) would be greatly appreciated. Take a sec and leave a response.

Thanks all!!

OK. That sure seems like a lot of drama in your life. As a recruiter, that would worry me.

[nypd7748]

First off thank you for your service.

I believe however you are too old for the NYPD. Maximum age for hire is 35. People in the military can add up to 6 years. That would make the age 41. Maybe an active MOS can correct me if things have changed.

[jvale00]

I think your going to have problems in the background portion. The best you can do is be upfront and honest with any investigator. Better to be DQ'd for honesty than dishonesty. Some departments focus primarily on your last 5 years while others go waaaaay back. I'd apply for a larger department that has a lot of openings. Your age my also be an obstacle. What about probation or parole? Any of those things interest you?

Good luck.


OR you can be a fireman - They'll take anyone!
:D