Misdemeanor Domestic Violence committed as a minor

[phantasm]

Regardless of whether you are legally barred from L.E., your conviction certainly doesn't make you rise to the top of a potential candidate pool. If you've looked around, you've seen the economic mess the country is in. For example, the Va. Governor this week said in regards to cutting the state's budget, "There are no sacred cows." Other states are in the same boat. That means experienced, recently laid off officers may be your competition for any candidate list.

NYPD who has done classes as large as 3000, and average class size over the past 5 years was around 1000-1200 twice a year, is now putting in classes of around 200-250 twice a year, mostly cadets getting promoted, since they have a requirement of NYPD police service.

Philly PD is talking of laying off 900 cops, as well as other city workers.

[Launchpad]

So which of these would boost my chances more: military service or a college degree?

[Brendon]

Both.

[Launchpad]

Sorry but that's not quite the answer I was looking for, Brendon.

[ChevySSP]

Brendon's right. Your gonna have to do BOTH to at least have a shot.

You have a conviction for DV as a minor, and on top of that you violated probation a few times.

How many folks applying for LE are gonna have real big black marks like you have on their record?

If I were you, Id join the military if you can, get the degree that will help you in a non-LE related job, and apply after 10-15 years.

You may have a 5% shot, but if its worth it to you then nobody can really stop you. Just don't go in expecting to be accepted...

[Launchpad]

What about Military Police or Security Forces?

[ChevySSP]

Mmm...I was never in the military so I can't answer that completely. If you read through the RP forum you'll find many posts relating to being an MP or SF, particularly in the military section.


I will say that out of all the prior military that I know are going to the academy with me come the 27th only one was an MP.

[Roger Dat]

I think regardless what you do its going to be hard to mitigate a DV arrest.

[Launchpad]

I meant doing MP or SF instead of civilian law enforcement. Maybe Air Force or Air National Guard.

[ChevySSP]

Hmm...I'm not sure if the military would take you considering your DV arrest.


Perhaps one of the prior military folks can enlighten us.

[Puddle Pirate]

I think regardless what you do its going to be hard to mitigate a DV arrest.

^^ This. DV is hot and heavy topic where I'm located at. Zero chance at making it through the background here, regardless if the law doesn't prohibit you from carrying a firearm.

[mckenna913]

I don't really know you or anything about your case. Based ENTIRELY off the things you have been kind enough to share in this forum I am going to tell you this much....don't hold you breath. Domestic incidents, alcoholism and suicides are probably three of the biggest fears any chief, commissioner, supervisor, etc in police work can think about. This is why they screen HEAVILY for any indication that you might be predisposed to this sort of behavior.

My advice? Find a different line of work that is not police related. Civil service is not limited to being a cop. Become a fireman, EMT, dispatcher or join the service.

I just don't want you to get your hopes up about being in law enforcement. With a prior conviction AND numerous probation violations for an offense that 99.9% of departments will consider a "major liability" please do not expect much.

Think of it this way....suppose you got hired and 2 days out of the academy you arrest someone for something similar to your situation. Despite your record as a juvenile being sealed, you never know how or where some of these shifty defense attorneys will drag stuff up from affecting your credibility. Departments simply would rather not take that risk....

This thread is going in circles but I think ultimately you need to face the hard facts. You're fighting an uphill battle, and while I commend your interest and passion to serve your community, I don't think a career in law enforcement is going to work out well for you.

Best of luck, please let us all know how it turns out.

[Launchpad]

***UPDATE***

I talked to a high-ranking officer at the local department. I think he was at least a lieutenant because he wore a white shirt (all the other officers here where light blue) and he was a plump, somewhat old fellow. He said that I am certainly not legally barred from a law enforcement position and that, since my offense was a misdemeanor and committed at the age of 15, would barely if at all get in my way on the road to a career in law enforcement.

Thank you to everyone who gave me any advice, especially those who told me to check with the local department. That turned out to be the best solution.