Considering career as cop... criminal record a problem?

[Lloyd.Sprowes]

I recently entered college, and I've been having a lot of problems deciding what to do. I was going to pursue a career in computers, but I started to get guilty about it because I felt that it was taking the easy way out... a lazy job that I'm really good at, and one that doesn't really fulfill any of my personal values and beliefs. I've always believed in the value of justice, I've always wanted to get scumbags and drug pushers off of the streets, mainly because of my own personal experiences. When I was a teenager, I wasted my entire high school career, doing drugs, stealing stuff, and generally screwing my life up. I have two felonies on my record because of this. But the last time I was in trouble with the law was three years ago... I'm 19 now, the last time I did anything was when I was 16. The main reason I am posting this is because I need help in deciding what major to pursue in college. I really want to pursue a two year degree in Criminal Justice... but if my criminal record is going to stop me no matter what I do, then I don't want to spend two years getting a degree I can't really do anything with. So... my question is, do the hiring committees look at mitigating factors, like... how long ago the offence took place? The severity of said offence? The fact that while the basic requirements (at least where I live) are a high school diploma or G.E.D., I went far above that and got a college degree? The fact that I made a damn good effort to clean my life up and pursue a college education should mean something. Thanks for your time, thanks in advance for your responses and for reading my little essay. :p

Note: My criminal offences were: two Assault 4's, a Possession of Marijuana, a Making a False or Misleading Statement, a Felony Harassment (getting pissed and threatening to kill somebody), and a Theft in the 2nd Degree. Also, I have a very colorful background in foster care, group homes, and institutions. From the age of 9 to 18. Figured I should give the specifics.

[hawaii]

Im new here but i have heard any felonies and its an automatic DQ. Being 16 when they were issued could be a mitigating factor. Ive made bad decisions considering drugs and I hope they realize youve changed and allow you the oppourtunity to serve and protect.
Best of luck

[Johninaustin]

Felony convictions are an automatic DQ at just about every dept I've ever heard of. Further, even if the dept wanted to hire you the state licensing board (called different things in different states) would not allow it.

[AmarulaCream]

Maybe Bush will pardon you on his way out... give him a call (202)-456-1414 ;)

[Citicop]

I recently entered college, and I've been having a lot of problems deciding what to do. I was going to pursue a career in computers, but I started to get guilty about it because I felt that it was taking the easy way out... a lazy job that I'm really good at, and one that doesn't really fulfill any of my personal values and beliefs. I've always believed in the value of justice, I've always wanted to get scumbags and drug pushers off of the streets, mainly because of my own personal experiences. When I was a teenager, I wasted my entire high school career, doing drugs, stealing stuff, and generally screwing my life up. I have two felonies on my record because of this. But the last time I was in trouble with the law was three years ago... I'm 19 now, the last time I did anything was when I was 16. The main reason I am posting this is because I need help in deciding what major to pursue in college. I really want to pursue a two year degree in Criminal Justice... but if my criminal record is going to stop me no matter what I do, then I don't want to spend two years getting a degree I can't really do anything with. So... my question is, do the hiring committees look at mitigating factors, like... how long ago the offence took place? The severity of said offence? The fact that while the basic requirements (at least where I live) are a high school diploma or G.E.D., I went far above that and got a college degree? The fact that I made a damn good effort to clean my life up and pursue a college education should mean something. Thanks for your time, thanks in advance for your responses and for reading my little essay. :p

Note: My criminal offences were: two Assault 4's, a Possession of Marijuana, a Making a False or Misleading Statement, a Felony Harassment (getting pissed and threatening to kill somebody), and a Theft in the 2nd Degree. Also, I have a very colorful background in foster care, group homes, and institutions. From the age of 9 to 18. Figured I should give the specifics.

You have "always believed in the value of Justice," but you have stolen, assaulted, thratened, lied, and used drugs (those are only the things that you got CAUGHT doing, btw...)

That many different crimes makes a pattern, one of poor decision making and criminal behavior. You may find departments that have a set of minimum requirements that will not automatically disqualify you, but you will almost certainly not be able to get hired into a sworn Law Enforcement position any time in the next ten years.

I commend you on cleaning up your life, and I am sure there are plenty of ways for you to contribute to society, but the fact is that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, and I would not want you backing me up with your past.

Citicop.

[mcsap]

You cannot erase all past deeds by current good behaviour.

The felonies are killing you and the rest of the charges are putting a huge dent in your chances.

[hitnrun]

LOL @ the "I was arrested for murder, but it was plead down to manslaughter...can I be a cop?":rolleyes:

[CelicaGuy]

NO LE for you! Felony's are automatic DQ, continue your career in computers because NO department will ever hire you. In order to do this job you need to be able to carry a gun, which as a felon you can not.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

I'm afraid your chances at a career in LE are grim indeed.

A good suggestion if you want to spend some time in the service of your family and country, is to join the military. You can pursue a MOS in computers (which you admit a talent for) and shoot guns/blow things up at the same time.

[phantasm]

I'm afraid your chances at a career in LE are grim indeed.

A good suggestion if you want to spend some time in the service of your family and country, is to join the military. You can pursue a MOS in computers (which you admit a talent for) and shoot guns/blow things up at the same time.

or maybe don't join the military

http://www.army.com/enlist/active-du...uirements.html

...
You should also not be undergoing any civil actions; certain law violations will disqualify you.
...
A criminal record may disqualify you from military service. If you have a criminal record you need to talk to a recruiter in order to evaluate your particular situation.

[Lynx83]

Actually, the news was just saying last week that recently more then ever they were letting people into the military with sexual convictions, and felonies

[Roger Dat]

Recruiters can request waviers for just about anything anymore.

[txinvestigator1]

I suspect this guy is a troll. His name and posts are of the type like our most recent one.

[Crimijuswoman]

I have one year to go until I get my associates in Criminal Justice, pursuing a career in LE , one of my proffesors and the head of the CJ department is a retired State Trooper. I met with him the first day and the first thing he ask me was if I had any felonies on my record, cause if ya do, its a no.

[Johninaustin]

Actually, the news was just saying last week that recently more then ever they were letting people into the military with sexual convictions, and felonies

Yep, on your JUVENILE record. I've already talked to a recruiter buddy about this. Violent felonies or any felony as an adult are a no-go irregardless.