What Are My Chances?

[Hendrick301]

So I am 25 years old and have been working the last 8 years as a Honda Technician.

Last year I worked as a in-park security officer at a major amusement park for a season (on top of my current job). It was exciting enough to go on a few ride-alongs with the local police department.

After talking it over with my wife and family I want to pursue a job as a police officer.

My question is; "What are my chances of being hired?"

I have no criminal record, but I have quite a few speeding tickets in the past (none in the last 3 years)

I am 1/2 a year in the local community college for criminal justice. But currently they don’t have any classes being offered this semester that I can make time for. (With a full time job and full time school it’s hard to make time)

So with a year of rent-a-cop experience, and no criminal record, with a half of a year at the local community college do I have a pretty good chance of getting hired? (With the right preparation/studying)

[dan1210bso]

your backround sounds fine to me, your chances are 1 in 100 just like everyone else who applies, good luck and apply to every department you can

[maz]

I agree, your chances are just as good as everyone else who has no college. Your background is fine. Like the other person said, apply EVERYWHERE! don't be picky. If your the type who applies to only 1 department the likely hood of you getting hired is very low, increase your chances by sending out a ton of apps to departments

[SPYKE]

I think as far as your background goes you will be fine, but that is only part of the process. The oral interview has been the toughest part of my process so far. You definitely want to be prepared for that.

[Cat_Doc]

I have no criminal record, but I have quite a few speeding tickets in the past (none in the last 3 years)

This would be your biggest hurdle. Since you did not define "quite a few" I have no way to determine how damaging it may be.

Our hiring policy dictates an automatic DQ for a "demonstrated disregard for traffic laws and regulations."

For example, someone who is predisposed to exceed the speed limit, while in a civilian status (sorry, Norm), can logically be predicted to violate it even more so as a LEO. This presents a liability and cannot be tolerated.

[Hendrick301]

how far back do they look at your driving rec.? do i need like a 10 year print out or 4 year? longer?

[Cat_Doc]

how far back do they look at your driving rec.? do i need like a 10 year print out or 4 year? longer?

Young man, they will look back at your entire driving history.

[SPYKE]

I had to put EVERY traffic citation I EVER received and I'm 32.

[Hendrick301]

how many is that? i have to go to the dmv i soppose and have them print me a copy. then i soppose i have to go to IL (where i lived 21 years before now) and get a history print out as well!

if you figure you have been driving for 9 years and have 9 tickets (thats what im guessing)

[lax854]

how many is that? i have to go to the dmv i soppose and have them print me a copy. then i soppose i have to go to IL (where i lived 21 years before now) and get a history print out as well!

if you figure you have been driving for 9 years and have 9 tickets (thats what im guessing)

thats a lot of tickets!!

[SPYKE]

I've been driving for 16 years and I have gotten 2 tickets. 9 does seem like alot!

[Cat_Doc]

If all nine of those citations are for speeding, you would most certainly fall into the category of an established pattern of disregard for traffic laws and regulations.

You will never know, though, until you put in an application and try. There might be an agency somewhere that will pick you up. Not many, but there might be one out there.

Otherwise, you would have to establish a corresponding amount of time in which you did not get cited for traffic violations to prove you have had a change of heart when it comes to obeying the law.

[Hendrick301]

Well I guess ill have to find out - im guessing at nine (ballpark high end)

But when i applied for my security officer job they did the whole background and dmv records check and i was ok, as well as the mechanic jobs I have they have to check my license because i drive customer’s cars home and road test cars, etc.

This is what i get for being a auto mechanic & owning all hot-rods while I was young and immature!

but ill find out soon and still apply everywhere and see what happens. Thank you!

[GrayPatriot]

I have no criminal record, but I have quite a few speeding tickets in the past (none in the last 3 years)

There is a difference between not having a criminal record and not committing any crimes...

I would try and get some more college time and maybe even try and do some time in the military. Three or four years those tickets won't be a big deal as long you lay off the lead foot...

[dirtysubie]

This is what i get for being a auto mechanic & owning all hot-rods while I was young and immature

Might want to look into getting a honda civic or a pinto....trust me, that will help your lead foot :D Everytime I get into my STi all I want to do is break the sound barrier, even if I am going 50 feet. I'm just glad its not street legal and I don't drive it anywhere but off-road, I might be in the same shoes as you. Good luck