Background DQ?

[UptNY13]

I'm an NYPD hopeful so I'm curious to what may DQ. I'm currently 20 yrs old and closing in on an AS degree in Police sci from John Jay. I've never been arrested but I've had a couple of summonses back in high school; skipping a bus fair and for having a pocket knife on school grounds. This incident was strictly accidental since I was unaware I was in possession of it when I went through the metal detectors. I never carried out a suspension or had any problems whatsover prior to this so I was allowed to return due to my clean academic background. The pocket knife was compared in length to an open palm and it measured just under so it wouldn't have been considered a weapon but at the time my school was on Impact so the security guards couldn't overlook it. I went to court on my 18th birthday and paid the fine. Since then I haven't had any violations; never smoked, no arrest, nothing at all. Nonetheless, would this be an issue when brought up?

[tpdexplorer62]

It does not sound like a big issue, bus pass issue and a small knife.

Don't sweat it, at least I wouldn't ;)

[tpdexplorer62]

One thing, the BI is not "out to get you" they just don't want to hire people who make wrong choices frequently.

In the process they want you to get hired how ever certain issues will prevent you from being hired.

You do not need to worry just let him know up front. :cool:

[UptNY13]

Thanks for the feedback, I guess I shouldn't sweat it. I took and passed the exam back in early Nov. Going off topic for a sec, what would be some choices to make in preparation till I'm called up? I've only been employed at a restaurant for two years and I think I've spent a good deal of time there. Now that I'm a course away from graduating I want to gain experience else where and build my credentials. Possibly security? It's not LE orriented but ill still be dealing with all types of individuals. As for other non-work related involvement, I participated and completed a Mount Sinai Hospital CPR for family and friends and Carrers in nursing program which was back in 05. Is this worth bringing up even on a resume?

[Roger Dat]

I'd stay at the restaraunt stable employment is more important than you may think. Security gives you no advantage.

[Whats_Ur_Twenty]

Security gives you no advantage.

I agree that stable employment is important, but security looks very good on a police application, or so I've been told by many LEO's. In your case though, I'd just stay where you are.

[UptNY13]

I do get along with my coworkers and the flexibility is great but honestly Ive felt like I've settled there and could be doing something different in the meantime. I suppose ill take the security training and try the gig out PT to mix things up and get a feel for it. One thing that was overlooked was the Mount Sinai hospital nursing career program. Would it be of any value to note my participation?

[Roger Dat]

I agree that stable employment is important, but security looks very good on a police application, or so I've been told by many LEO's. In your case though, I'd just stay where you are.

As a cop who worked 7 years of security it gives you no advantage besides some contact with police. It opens you up to a lot of liability. If you make a bad stop as security guard or perform another type of action that has someone sue you for false detention or whatever the case may be you cannot get hired while that action is pending.

As a matter of fact justified or not I know alot of security guards who made bad impressions on officers that they have interacted with. I can vouch for 2 circumstances where the negative contact caused said individual to not be considered for employment when they came through the application process.

Stay where you are. Solid employment over several years is a good indicator for a department.

[Whats_Ur_Twenty]

I work security. Loss Prevention specifically. It's great practice as far as writing reports, and dealing with potentially violent individuals goes. I've learned to calm down people twice my size through good verbal persuasion, and that's something that even some LEO's I've seen need to work on. As far as bad stops go, don't lose surveillance and you wont make them. That's just my two cents though. But as I said also, the fact that you've worked at the same place for so long shows that you're a great employee so just stay there

[Roger Dat]

Yup you would know alot better then me :rolleyes:

[Whats_Ur_Twenty]

I'm not going to battle over the internet with you lol. I just can't understand why you don't feel that an LP or security job would be good experience for a person interested in LE. I've been told that it is by other cops. Hell, the reason I got my job is because they lost the old LP's to police departments.

[mcsap]

There MAY be some decent security jobs that SOME police dept's MIGHT recognize as "worthy" but by and large , security jobs are breeding grounds for wannab'e who will never make it in the field of LE and will settle for any uniform they can get.

My advice is to stay put in your stable job where you can hopefully get a good reference. There are way too many " ifs " by changing jobs and getting into security.

What 99% of security companies do is nothing like what we do and I think you will pick up some bad habits by going with them.

A security background is generally NOT a plus with us.

[UptNY13]

Knowledgeable input is always helpful, I appreciate it.

[Roger Dat]

there may be some decent security jobs that some police dept's might recognize as "worthy" but by and large , security jobs are breeding grounds for wannab'e who will never make it in the field of le and will settle for any uniform they can get.

My advice is to stay put in your stable job where you can hopefully get a good reference. There are way too many " ifs " by changing jobs and getting into security.

What 99% of security companies do is nothing like what we do and i think you will pick up some bad habits by going with them.

A security background is generally not a plus with us.

+ 1