Yet another "Can I Become A Cop"

[John1987]

Hey guys and gals, I'm new to these forums, but I was wondering if you could help me out a little. I'm 20 years old, and I plan to start applying to police departments here in California in a few months when I turn 20 1/2. I am currently a college student and am taking Spanish classes trying to become fluent in the language. I have good credit and an excellent driving record. I've never used any illegal drugs.

And now for the bad :( When I was 17 I had a girlfriend who was 16, and I had some nude images of her. Then later on when I was still 17 I had another relationship with a 17 year old, and we were sexually active, and remained so until shortly after I turned 18, and I also had nude images of her as well. Those images were destroyed long ago. I used to work for a movie theater, and during my year and a half that I was there I stole about $5 worth of bulk candy. Also while I worked at the theatre I would work very late at night by myself in a dark room upstairs, and I did masturbate once while I was up there shortly after I turned 18. I have very disgusted with myself for doing this, and am utterly embarrassed by it.

All of the things that I have done will have been at least 2 1/2 years ago by the time I start applying. I also have very good references and a stable work history. This is everything that I can think of in my background. If you guys could please let me know if any of these things will completely bar me from becoming a police officer, or just make it more difficult it would be greatly appreciated.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

"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.

[fabolous084]

Im not a cop but from what you just said I think you might have a bit of trouble passing the psych in my opinion....

[MRuffalo715]

John,

My name is Mark and I am not a police officer. I am planning on becoming a state trooper after I graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. Knowledge of Spanish is certainly an asset when applying to become a police officer, and I commend you for not using any illegal drugs.

I don't really know how your sexual indiscretions would surface during the background investigation. As for the theft, I think you may have a problem passing the polygraph test. Also, the psychiatric exam is intended to eliminate those that are not mentally sound.

Good luck!

[Sierra]

As for the theft, I think you may have a problem passing the polygraph test.

Good luck!

Poly does not DQ for having committed a theft. Poly DQs (and yes, I am aware the semantics are not precisely correct) for being dishonest about the act.

Eg John is asked if he has committed any undisclosed acts of theft. He says no, but is thinking about the $5 in Hot Tamales he stole. Poly twinges on his reaction. He is asked the same question again but differently, still says no, with the subsequent poly reaction.

John is then removed from process for possible dishonesty on the poly.

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

The only incident you've mentioned that I can even imagine them asking you about is the theft and $5 as a minor is nowhere close to a deal breaker.

Personally, I think you'd look rather silly walking into a personnel office talking about the time you masturbated in a secluded area when you were a kid. ;)

[Sierra]

In all actuality, both the fact that he had nude pictures of a minor (child pornography) and masturbated in a public area (I won't even guess at the criminal code for that one) reflects on his morals. This is actually substantially worse than stealing $5 in candy.

As I have no experience in that field, I will leave rating his chances to someone else. Personally, I do not see an offer coming for quite a while.

[04SteveR6]

Hey guys and gals, I'm new to these forums, but I was wondering if you could help me out a little. I'm 20 years old, and I plan to start applying to police departments here in California in a few months when I turn 20 1/2. I am currently a college student and am taking Spanish classes trying to become fluent in the language. I have good credit and an excellent driving record. I've never used any illegal drugs.

And now for the bad :( When I was 17 I had a girlfriend who was 16, and I had some nude images of her. Then later on when I was still 17 I had another relationship with a 17 year old, and we were sexually active, and remained so until shortly after I turned 18, and I also had nude images of her as well. Those images were destroyed long ago. I used to work for a movie theater, and during my year and a half that I was there I stole about $5 worth of bulk candy. Also while I worked at the theatre I would work very late at night by myself in a dark room upstairs, and I did masturbate once while I was up there shortly after I turned 18. I have very disgusted with myself for doing this, and am utterly embarrassed by it.

All of the things that I have done will have been at least 2 1/2 years ago by the time I start applying. I also have very good references and a stable work history. This is everything that I can think of in my background. If you guys could please let me know if any of these things will completely bar me from becoming a police officer, or just make it more difficult it would be greatly appreciated.

Wow i can't believe you told us you masterbated at work! If you tell the psych that i am sure you will be in for a world of hell. Expect to be questioned about your sex life.

[Foo Man]

Also while I worked at the theatre I would work very late at night by myself in a dark room upstairs, and I did masturbate once while I was up there shortly after I turned 18. I have very disgusted with myself for doing this, and am utterly embarrassed by it.

OMG! I don't think I've ever laughed that hard before! I would recommend NOT spanking it during your poly, even if the interviewer turns the lights off.

I'll have to send you some green just for admitting to that in a public forum. :D

[mcsap]

I am not in Cali but I dont think the underage photos are much of a deal when you were also underage.

Why not pay back the $5 ( with a little interest) so you can TRUTHFULLY say that although I did steal some candy at a former employer , I subsequently paid them back. Get a MO for the amount , make a copy and send it to them with a letter of apology. I am sure that someone will be impressed.

[John1987]

Thank you guys for your responses. I had one more quick question. If I do find it hard to get hired onto a department, would putting myself through the academy greatly increase my chances?

[04SteveR6]

Thank you guys for your responses. I had one more quick question. If I do find it hard to get hired onto a department, would putting myself through the academy greatly increase my chances?

My answer would be No. If they don't want you then why go through the academy if you don't have a job? It is not going to be easy but you are better off applying to departments and not wasting your money or time on the academy.

[fabolous084]

Thank you guys for your responses. I had one more quick question. If I do find it hard to get hired onto a department, would putting myself through the academy greatly increase my chances?

buddy you will be ok if you can pass the psych....

[bayareahopeful]

Your background is not that bad. You've done some dumb things, and yes you'll have to come clean about them all and explain all of the little details. That said, your age is probably your biggest issue. There is one guy in my academy that is under 21, and he is considered extremely young. Most of our guys are late 20's to mid 30's. You've done dumb things recently, put some time between your misdeeds and yourself and you'll stand out for the right reasons. BTW, the 20 yo in my academy spent the last 4-5 years as a cadet/CSO for his agency, and his background is clean as a whistle.

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

In all actuality, both the fact that he had nude pictures of a minor (child pornography) and masturbated in a public area (I won't even guess at the criminal code for that one) reflects on his morals. This is actually substantially worse than stealing $5 in candy.

As I have no experience in that field, I will leave rating his chances to someone else. Personally, I do not see an offer coming for quite a while.

I must respectfully disagree while assuming that the public place in question was secured and out of public view at which point one could argue that isn´t even public.

To add to what mcsap said regarding the photos, both were minors and the age gap was insignificant.