Prospective Police Officer Worries

[Ranger+P+]

I ACCIDENTALLY POSTED THIS "IN ASK A COP"--VERY SORRY!!


Here are the positives of myself:

1. 31 yrs old.
2. US NAVY Vet, 4 yrs. Honorable Discharge
3. 70 hrs College Credit
4. Good size: 6'3, 225 lbs--Decent shape
5. Currently employed as a Corrections Officer
6. Have a Concealed Handgun License

Negatives:

1. Fairly Bad Credit- Have a Car repo on there from 2005. Got behind on payments because of back injury in non-fault car accident that happened in 2001..A guy t-boned me at a 2 way stop sign..the police were never called so there is no report. The reason for the long time span is basically I did not have any problems until 2004, when I could not work for about 5 months. (I drew unemployment payments during this time)
2. Had Back Surgery in 2006- 2 herniated disc, totally fixed now, released to work from Dr.
3. License was suspended (2005 for 2 months) for 2 unpaid speeding tickets (1 IN 2004 AND 1 IN 2005). This was during the time I was unable to work becasue of my back--financially I could not pay the tickets. I finally did pay all fines in one lump sum in late 2005 and the Judge said he would write a statement explaining my case if needed. I regret not trying to set up a payment plan--this was immature of me at that time.
4. Unstable Job History- I hopped around alot, trying to find what I wanted to do with my life, I was never fired from a job, and gave notice at 90% of my jobs before I quit. I have found what i wnat to do since I started in corrections--I want to go into LE work.

I can give more details so you can help me, but from what I have told you--what is your opinion? Would I have better luck applying at smaller depts? I have applied with 2 depts so far, pretty small in comparison to most TX cities, and am scheduled to test in April and March. Please help me!!

-SCS

[Plazoo]

What is this that everyone thinks it's easier getting on with small departments? Maybe they don't have as many applicants as larger ones but they do have the same testing requirements. Yeesh!

Anyway, although I don't see it being an impossibility, I do see you having some pretty hefty obstacles to overcome. The suspension, credit issues, medical concern and job history are pretty big things, however, you say you can explain them all so you may be okay.

The thing to keep in mind is you may be going up against numerous other applicants that have a spotless history so don't get discouraged if you don't land the first position you apply for.

Just be ready to do some serious explaining, with documentation to prove it, if possible, and hope for the best.

Good luck to you.

(And yes, already....I contacted one of the Verification guys last night so hopefully I'll have that nifty 'Verified LEO' tag beside my name soon):p