Disqualification for driving record?

[iam4thapack]

I am thinking about applying to be a LEO in North Carolina, specifically with the State Highway Patrol. I have a few issues with my background that might hinder me I am afraid. Can anyone shed any light on these for me.

In ~ October 2001 I was charged with speeding 61 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. Those charges were later dropped to Improper Equipment after I successfully completed a 4 hour defensive driving course. No license points were given

In June 2003 I was charge with speeding 71 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. I was also charged with Pre-arranged speed competition as well. I was taken into custody and had to post bail. Both of these charges were later reduced to Improper Equipment after completing a 8 hour defensive driving course. No license points were given

In November 2003 I was charged with speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. These charges were dropped to 64 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. I received 2 license points for this offense. These points were removed in 2006 after 3 years with no tickets/offenses.

I am a 29 yr old college grad with a clean credit history and no other offenses other than those listed above. The offenses involving the street racing were not pre arranged but more spontaneous.

As stated above my background; other than the above listed; is flawless. I only have traffic offenses on me and my credit is excellent. No bad checks etc. I really want to become a State Trooper but do you guys think that any other LE agency would have any issues with me applying being as these offenses occurred almost 5 yrs ago?? How about the SHP specifically?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated...

[Roger Dat]

The repeated speed offenses will hurt, shows a pattern of behavior especially the unauthorized speed contest which is a misdemeanor in NY. So even though it was reduced you were arrested. Probably not insurmountable but a hurdle non the less.

[DeltaV]

When an agency checks your background, they will see the original charge(s), not just what they were reduced to.

The arrest will hurt, but I can't say it will DQ you. It all depends on the competitiveness of their hiring process. Keep in mind that the vast majority of applicants have never been arrested.

[Johninaustin]

Not going to sugarcoat it, you are going to get a hell of a smack, ESPECIALLY with the speed contest. It's time to build up your positives to counteract it.

Languages, good credit, schooling, community service, make a point of mentioning all of them. ;)

[BOY-IN-BLUE]

Wow, kind of makes you regret BREAKING THE LAW? If you only do one good thing just BE TRUTHFUL. You will see that same instruction more than anything else on this forum and for good reason.

[retdetsgt]

I'd give it a shot, all were several years ago. I don't think my agency would get that upset about it if you've been okay for the last 5 years.

[Piggy]

Just remember you may be applying against others with less on their background, but I'd say it's worth a shot.

At least they know you'll be good at driving fast.

[mcsap]

So have you learned ANYTHING from al of your speeding days ? Translate that to ...what kind of car do you drive now and how do you drive it ??

You have some bruises but not too bad, get another speeding ticket and you will " complete a circuit" that you don't want to have on your record.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

We have DQed for driving only, but in all honesty, their records were a little worse than what you've disclosed. The reasoning is that if you never even make it to work, you're not much good to the agency. Not to mention that now we have prior knowledge of your driving habits, so now we're going to put you in a mobile billboard with our name on the side and put you on our insurance, just so you can go speeding infront of all the citizens that you will be expected to ticket for driving the exact same way that you do.

Then we'll get a whole series of "I saw a cop speed by me for no good reason" threads here on RP.

[iam4thapack]

Thanks for all of the wonderful responses. I appreciate each and everyone of you that responded for the sincerity and honesty in the responses.

I have indeed learned from my past experiences and do regret all of the times I was ticketed. I still own a sports car but have only driven it less than 1,500 miles in the past 2 yrs total. I drive well within the posted speed limits and most of the time well under. At the time all of these offenses occurred I was into imports quite heavy. I still own one as stated above but it is driven rarely. My daily driver is a Honda accord 4 door grocery getter now. I will be very honest and up front with them as that is the way I have always been. I know it has been almost 5 years since the last offense but it is still a black eye on my record that I am ashamed of to say the least.

Again thanks to all who replied and I will advise as to how this all turns out in a few months...