Background questions

[audilove85]

So this is probably the millionth one of these on here but here is my background . I would like to know if I have a shot at a career as a LEO or not, more specifically with the Tucson Pd or in Arizona in general.

I had a run in with the law at about 7-8 with shoplifting, don't know if it was ever handled by the police, and am unsure as to the Dollar amount that was taken.
around the same time frame 5 -9 years old, I was diagnosed with depression and put inpatient at a local psych unit. I had been in the unit 3 times over the 4 year period for depression and problems in school.

I also had to change school in 7th grade because I supposedly sexually abused a female class mate (verbally). Again I am unsure how the incident was handled as far as police and officials involved.

during high school I attended many parties and would drink while under age. Never received and MIP or any other contact with the law.

During the fall of 2005 I was living with my girlfriend at the time, we had many fights,I never hit her, but I did push her a few times, and had thrown things. We also had the cops called on us by our neighbor. The cops warned me about domestic violence and asked me to leave for a while so we could both think. They also warned us that if they were called again they would have to take someone to jail. I called the local PD to check on a police report, they said that they had nothing on file, for the police call, I also had them run my name to check for any reports and they didn't find anything.
This is the incident that I am worried about, as we split on bad terms and I know she would love nothing better than to continue to make my life unpleasant, and am not sure what she will say about our "fights".

I also have i speeding ticket for 10 over, I was on my way home, cop clocked me at 54 in a 35, but only wrote me for 45/35. I did not argue, I was at fault and knew it. But I have also been stopped 2 other times for speeding one my sophomore year of high school for 70 in a 55, let off with a warning, and again my senior year for 45 in a 35 also let off with a warning.

and my employment record is not Great due to problems during the year I was with my ex.


I have never been arrested, detained or questioned for a crime by a LEO.
I have also never touched drugs.

Thank you for your time and any information you can provide me with.

[drkknght]

It may be a little tough for you with some of these instances but you might be alright. My best advice for you is to call the departments you are looking at and ask.

I am not a LEO so take it or leave it this is just my .02

[ouikikazz]

in all honesty you may have a shot, but a long shot...there seems to be a long track record and some may require to undergo a full psych evaluation if you get deep enough into the process, you won't get in 1-2-3 like most people...again thats just speculation though

[manahmanah]

It would help if we knew where you were and how old you were. I am going to say no due to the DV stuff.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Your situation and life experiences are unique from all other applicants, as theirs are from you. Noone here is going to be able to give you a definitive "yes" or "no" based just on what you've posted. My advice is to apply and see what the specific agency says.

The worst they can say is no, and they may just say yes.

With all that said, will there be applicants with less baggage than you? Probably.

Will they stand a better chance in the hiring process than you? Maybe.

Is knowing that going to stop you from applying? Only you can answer that.

[audilove85]

Thanks for the insight. I truly want to become a Police officer. It is one of the few way to be able to serve my country. I applied to the Tucson PD and am waiting to hear back from my BI. When I told him about the incidents he said he will have to check on the DV issues to see what the police had on file for them, but didn't say anything else. He only said that when the police showed up at my house, I was under arrest, but never charged. because I had answered no as to whether I had ever been arrested. He also said that if I make it to the academy that is something they will teach me about.
So as it looks I am not sure what they are going to say as far as me continuing on with the employment process.

Again thanks all, and if you have anymore advice or thoughts please let me know, It would help tremendously.

[jariggs]

Nevermind, I should be nice.

[rzhevska]

Hi,
Just my 2 cents....

I wouldn't worry too much about the under 18 behavior if it hasn't reocurred during adulthood. We all do stupid/immoral things as a kid, because we really don't know any better regardless of what parents say or do (just look at my post I posted in the same forum ). As long as you grew out of that behavior and matured I don't think they'll hold you accountable for that.
The domestic disturbance issue...well if there's no record of it on paper I suppose that's a plus. I'd still bring it up to the BI though. Honesty is a good quality to have, and you admitting to this here is a good start!

So, "technically" on paper you don't have any real issues besides the one adult speeding ticket. Legally, you seem like a good candidate. On the other hand you are/were prone to making questionable decisions as an adult.

I'd say you have a few things working against you, and you know what, you can't change them. However, there are things you can do to improve your overall image. First, get a consistently good work record, and while you're doing that, get some college (if you havent done so yet), and maybe some army/navy/air/marine reserve time while you're at it. That way, at the same time you can add 3 bullets to the "why should you hire me" bulletin.

Once again, just my view on your situation. I am not an LEO and I haven't gone through the process myself, but I am applying to 5 or 6 departments this summer when I get back from the desert.

Hope this helps and perhaps gives you a different view on your situation...and remember, don't put all your eggs in one basket, apply to multiple PDs, even if you won't get in to your first choice, at least you'll get familiarized with the process. And once you do get some quality LE experience, you can always reapply to your first choice again.

Good luck!