Background Question PLEASE help

[TShelton]

Ok here's the deal. I have ALWAYS wanted to serve and protect. My first desire was to join the military. Even after a fight on my part I am permanently DQ'd because I am a diabetic. Because of this I have chosen to go for a career in Law Enforcement. This is the only desire I have in life. I'm a devout Christian and want nothing more than to protect my fellow Americans I am currently a Criminal Justice major at the University of Georgia. Now that we have that out of the way, I have some issues with my background. I have a few "convictions" from my past. None are serious, but nonetheless I understand they could affect me. I will list these for you so you can understand the nature of the charges.

-2 underage drinking
-Public Urination(local ordinance)
-Open Container(local ordinance)
-2 moving violations(motor vehicle accidents)
MISDEMEANORS

These really are not a representation of who I am. I understand that in the past I have done some things are that are definitely regrettable. I truly have the strongest of desires to serve as a law enforcement officer. My question is, do you think these things that have happened in the past might restrict me from becoming what I want to be? I have 2 years until I graduate and actually start the application process to become an officer. Thanks in advance for any input.

[JDM]

Logically minor things like that shouldnt have a big impact on anything, but it very well may. I just had two speeding tickets in the past year and that disqualified me from one place. It seems like you almost have to have lived in a cave all your life in order to meet these requirements.

[vadep]

Originally posted by TShelton
My question is, do you think these things that have happened in the past might restrict me from becoming what I want to be?

Those of and by themselves? Probably not. But it's gonna depend upon how long ago they were, and your ability to demonstrate you've "grown up". Keep yourself clean & out of trouble, and when they time comes to apply be open and honest about your past.

[K9 Police]

We have all made mistakes; we are definetly no angels.

The key is to be HONEST. Be honest about everything and your chances will be a lot better. Keep doing good, stay out of trouble, get some good education and work experience, volunteer a little, get to know the job some, and I wouldn't worry too much. If you don't get hired at a department, continue to better yourself and apply again or to another department.

Good luck!

K9

[rdp]

As with any mistake (crime, stupid act, etc.) you need to show that you have learned from the experience by not doing it again and demonstrate maturity.

Really aren't big things, unless you lie or try and cover them up.

[mcsap]

I think you should make sure that your diabetic condition in and of itself isn't a DQ "offense". If you havn't already, you should ask several departments. If Uncle Sam won't take you that could be an indication that a PD may not either.

[muskingumboy]

wait until your 21 to drink....


and never drive when you're drunk...

But I'm a college student like you.....And you know, that college students think that there untouchable.....

[Stump]

Depending on what kind of diabetes you have, and if it is under control, that might be automatic DQ in itself. Check with your doctor and the dept you are applying for.

[TShelton]

Well....I dont really want to get into an argument with ya'll. I had to battle people all over the place in the military forums and didn't enjoy it. BUT, I am in perfect health and excellent condition. Diabetes does not hold me back from doing anything whatsoever. Police departments are perfectly entitled to check on the status of one's diabetes. However, they are not allowed to discriminate solely on the basis of that individual being a diabetic. There have been rare instances where this has occured, but the American Diabetes Association took care of that in an extremely quick and harsh manner. ( The departments were not only sued, but forced to change their policy) So I really am not too concerned with a department telling me that being a diabetic will disqualify me. I think that they are probably smarter than that at this point. I understand what you are talking about though. I will most definitely be researching that. Thanks

[mcsap]

TS, the only thing I am concerned about is , will your diabetes affect you in ANY way in the performance of your job ?

Obviously Uncle Sam thought so. If it does not or will not, go for it.

[TShelton]

First off I'm not trying to sound defensive or offended. I know that you are only trying to urge me to check into things. All I am saying is that while I do understand that being an insulin dependent diabetic does present some doubt as to whether I would be able to perform my duties as an officer, I have enough control over my diabetes to avoid any problems that might affect me while on duty. I believe that my providing proof that I can do everything required of an officer, I will be able to be cleared. If this is denied, I would of course persue a discrimination case against the department. Such cases have been decided in favor of diabetics more often than not. As I said in my original post, I have no desire above that to serve and protect. I will fight to do this until the very end. So thanks for your advice. I just wanted to let you know my position.

[oscarmitre]

Re the issue of diabetes:

http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles/adae.txt

This is an extract from that text file:

"Under the ADA, blanket exclusions of individuals
with a particular disability are, in most cases,
not permissible.1 For example, to exclude "all
applicants with diabetes ignores the varying
degrees of severity of this disease and the ability
to control its symptoms"2 and would be forbidden.
On the other hand, the "ADA does not require
quotas, it...requires that employers not reject
applicants with disabilities because of their
disabilities."3 In addition, the ADA requires
employers to provide applicants with reasonable
accommodations so that they can apply for jobs."

I hope that helps. On a personal level I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes and while I need to notify my employer it won't change my employment status. Apparently Type 2 is now one of the fastest growing diseases of the affluent society (that would be more accceptable if I had some of the affluence) .

Good luck with your application.

[mcsap]

Either your medical condition is a will not effect you in any way in the performance of your duties or it could ( or will).

I don't know your condition and limitations ( if any) but if your condition could cause you to have problems in the performance of your duties, we don't want you. If you are DQ'ed and want to file a suit, be my guest. We are in a SERIOUS business involving crime, people with guns, taking people's liberty away from them etc. We need people who are not going to have a medical condition interfere with such duties.

Why did the military turn you down ?

And did you sue them ?

[TShelton]

And I will not sue a police dept. All I want is a fair shake. I don't expect to be turned down only because I am a diabetic. While on an insulin pump, a diabetic such as me could at all times control their blood glucose levels. I am able to do this without an insulin pump, but soon I will be using one. I don't expect a department to take an individual who is not in control of their disease. Fortunately, I am in control of mine. Because of this, I believe I most definitely should not be shut down only on the basis that I am a diabetic.

[TShelton]

Is there anyone here who actually participates in the hiring process of police officers?