My background, experience, etc. Thoughts?

[Migalex]

Hello all. Let me preface this by saying thank you all for the work you do here on this site. It's been an interesting read.

I'm looking for your general thoughts on my candidacy and advice on how to improve on it.

I'm currently trying to make the transition into law enforcement. I'm in my late 20s, and have a 4 year degree. I work in finance in a sales position, have some background in psychology, and took four years of Spanish (although now I'm a bit rusty). Additionally I'm training in Krav Maga with many LEOs, have other defense/martial arts training, as well as some weapons experience. I grew up in what became a high crime area, and as a result, became fairly well acquainted with what criminals and gang activity are.

More recently, I witnessed a horrific crime that left several people dead, something that has been part of the motivation for my career change.

Now for the potential bad:

I have a few traffic tickets. '97-failure to make a complete stop. '01 - tailgating. 02/07 - speeding. 5 months ago I got a seatbelt ticket, something that I never do. Anyway, I took a class and the ticket was dropped.

I have smoked pot approximately four or five times, with the last being around 5 years ago. I don't like drugs, as I have a bunch of alcoholics and addicts in my family. I do drink beer, but in moderation.

Other than that, not much to report. No arrests, good credit, etc.


One last question. I've applied to several agencies, and have a few tests coming up. One agency sent a letter notifying me of a test to be held 4 days after the postmark. Unfortunately, I didn't get the letter until the day after the test. What are the chances of them accepting the results of a test conducted by another agency?

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for the responses.

[africandialects]

In my experience with taking written tests (and i've taken at least five) the department that you apply for only accepts THEIR written test results that you take with them not other results from departments that you have applied to.

Continued goodluck in your aspirations to become a leo!

[Kimble]

I'm currently trying to make the transition into law enforcement. I'm in my late 20s, and have a 4 year degree. I work in finance in a sales position, have some background in psychology, and took four years of Spanish (although now I'm a bit rusty). Additionally I'm training in Krav Maga with many LEOs, have other defense/martial arts training, as well as some weapons experience. I grew up in what became a high crime area, and as a result, became fairly well acquainted with what criminals and gang activity are.

All this sounds good, but I do wonder what you mean by "became fairly well acquainted with what criminals and gang activity are." Did you associate with gangs when you were younger, or where you a member of one?

More recently, I witnessed a horrific crime that left several people dead, something that has been part of the motivation for my career change.

While it's nobel to want to want to help others, did this situation imact you mentally in any way? Do you have any reoccurring problems (nightmares, post-traumatic stress, etc.) as a result of this?

I have a few traffic tickets. '97-failure to make a complete stop. '01 - tailgating. 02/07 - speeding. 5 months ago I got a seatbelt ticket, something that I never do. Anyway, I took a class and the ticket was dropped.

For the 2007 speeding ticket, how fast were you going? Was there other issues involved (ex: speeding in a school zone)? The agency you apply to will look up these additional details and make a determination. On its face alone your traffic history, while not great, isn't terrible, but there's a few unanswered questions that the hiring agency will review.

I have smoked pot approximately four or five times, with the last being around 5 years ago. I don't like drugs, as I have a bunch of alcoholics and addicts in my family. I do drink beer, but in moderation.

You said your last use of MJ was 5 years ago, which if you're in your late 20's, would put that use in your early to mid 20's (well past adolescence). This could be an issue for some agencies. Be honest about it and let the chips fall where they may.

One last question. I've applied to several agencies, and have a few tests coming up. One agency sent a letter notifying me of a test to be held 4 days after the postmark. Unfortunately, I didn't get the letter until the day after the test. What are the chances of them accepting the results of a test conducted by another agency?

Unless they use the exact same test, your chances are zero, since it's not their test.

In order to truly give you a valid evaluation of your chances, could you provide some feedback on the few questions I posted? Overall you have some good qualifications brought to the table, but also a couple of "gray areas" that would need to be explored further.

[Migalex]

All this sounds good, but I do wonder what you mean by "became fairly well acquainted with what criminals and gang activity are." Did you associate with gangs when you were younger, or where you a member of one?

I was not a member or associated with gangs. I engaged in no criminal activity and gave no comfort to criminals. I meant that I saw them frequently, and learned to recognize them/their activity, and also to stay away with them.

While it's nobel to want to want to help others, did this situation imact you mentally in any way? Do you have any reoccurring problems (nightmares, post-traumatic stress, etc.) as a result of this?

No recurring problems other than I still sometimes think about it and wish that I could have done something to change it. No ptsd.

For the 2007 speeding ticket, how fast were you going? Was there other issues involved (ex: speeding in a school zone)? The agency you apply to will look up these additional details and make a determination. On its face alone your traffic history, while not great, isn't terrible, but there's a few unanswered questions that the hiring agency will review.

It was highway. I was around 17 or 18 over the limit. I was looking frantically for a restroom. It was a bummer.

You said your last use of MJ was 5 years ago, which if you're in your late 20's, would put that use in your early to mid 20's (well past adolescence). This could be an issue for some agencies. Be honest about it and let the chips fall where they may.

It was early 20s. That's what I've been told. The LEOs that I know have said to not worry too much about it. I used MJ a couple of times in high school, and the last time, which has been so long that I can't accurately date it, was the first since school. I remember thinking, 'oh yeah, I hate this crap.' I recently went to Amsterdam and the irritating thing was that I kept getting the "did you smoke?" question when I got back. No, I did not.

Unless they use the exact same test, your chances are zero, since it's not their test.

I think they do, but I've resigned myself that I've missed on that agency.

In order to truly give you a valid evaluation of your chances, could you provide some feedback on the few questions I posted? Overall you have some good qualifications brought to the table, but also a couple of "gray areas" that would need to be explored further.

Thanks for the feedback. Overall, I feel that I've made a few mistakes, but am of good character. I haven't always been perfect, and I accept the consequences of that.

[Kimble]

Overall, I feel that I've made a few mistakes, but am of good character. I haven't always been perfect, and I accept the consequences of that.

That's definitely the right attitude to have. Good luck.

[Jennifer]

Hey Migalex:

I have smoked pot approximately four or five times, with the last being around 5 years ago. I don't like drugs

It was early 20s.

I used MJ a couple of times in high school, and the last time, which has been so long that I can't accurately date it, was the first since school. I remember thinking, 'oh yeah, I hate this crap.'

Ok:
I'm a bit confused. Why did it take you 4-5 times to decide that you didn't like it? Then why do it again, if you "hated" it? I'm also confused about your last use. You first state that it was 5 years ago then you state that it was so long ago you can't accurately date it. It sounds like you are backtracking.

Also, what was your use like? Trying it is different from using it.

I don't mean to be a bi*** but based on what you have said, it leaves some holes and since I am also going through the process, I know that you will get much harder questions than this when you interview.

Good luck!

[Migalex]

Hey Migalex:





Ok:
I'm a bit confused. Why did it take you 4-5 times to decide that you didn't like it? Then why do it again, if you "hated" it? I'm also confused about your last use. You first state that it was 5 years ago then you state that it was so long ago you can't accurately date it. It sounds like you are backtracking.

Also, what was your use like? Trying it is different from using it.

I don't mean to be a bi*** but based on what you have said, it leaves some holes and since I am also going through the process, I know that you will get much harder questions than this when you interview.

Good luck!

Please make no apologies, you aren't being a b****. I came here because I wanted honest answers as well as questions.

I smoked around the age of 13. I was a latchkey kid, bad part of town, etc. I don't really have a reason other than stupidty, both as a teen, and in my early 20s. These were like, 2-3 puff experiences. Never owned a pipe or bong.

The last time I was going through a nasty bout of insomnia, and I had a few drags off a rolled tobacco cig that had a little pot in it. That was a stupid idea, and it reminded me that I really didn't like it before. That was sometime in 04. I don't remember the month, that's why I say that I can't accurately date it. It's going on six years, when I actually think about it.

I wasn't trying to minimize what I've done, its just that it never really became a pattern or part of my identity. It certainly isn't now. That's what I'm really trying to communicate.