NOPD Potential Hiring Difficulties

[Marmoset54]

Evening everyone,

This is my first post (Is there an "Intro" section here?). Firstly, I want to say thanks for all of the great information collected in these forums. It's surprising the depth that postee will go to to help their fellow poster...right.

Anyway, a bit about me. I'm a native New Orleanian who never could leave his beloved, yet tragic city. I graduated with a BA(2007)/MA(2008) from Tulane University, graduating honors and whatnot. What can I say...I can liven up a pretty drab cocktail party.

After university, I worked for an educational non-profit for a year (Nation's largest drop out prevention org) where I developed some amazing projects (Think of corralling 360 ELCA volunteers from the 37,000 that came this past summer to create 13,550 school kits for every K-3 grader in the city).

Police work has always been in the back of my mind, something that I have always wanted to do. Long story short...I'm beginning to make strides to that direction.

The issues at hand: May 2006 - DWI - nolle prosequi, No Seatbelt - nolle prosequi, Careless Operation - nolle prosequi, Reckless - pleaded guilty. Went downtown, spent a night in holding and such.

Before that? Sproadic (tickets at most) speeding tickets.

Yes. It looks bad. But SINCE 2006 and the introduction to my city's correctional system, I've toned down much. A wake up call, if you may. No more drinking, no more gallivanting, just growing ooooooooold.

Three years have passed since this incident.

Do my degrees, year of community service (Americorps), charming demeanor and the (some say infamous) case of NOPD hint at me donning the star and crescent? Worth getting these expunged?

Thanks all!

[bvol]

From the NOPD application, under the list of automatic disqualifications...

"an unacceptable driving record within five years of application, as evidenced by, three or more negligent collisions; suspension for moving violations; revocation; or operating after suspension/revocation of driving license; DWI or DUI convictions."

I know the DWI charges were dropped but you could still be DQed if you were guilty of DWI, even if not convicted. I would think you would stand a better chance in 2011 (five years removed) but what do I know, you might as well try...

[Marmoset54]

Good point, bvol. While not guilty of a DWI, I pled guilty to "Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle." It's not wonderful, I agree, however I am wondering if eduction and the amount of time from offenses to present will favorably affect the board's decision?

[mythoss]

No amount of degrees is going to erase a DUI. Time will help. But you're going to be up against people with the same type of degrees and "charming demeanor" and NO DUI. You never know until you try. If you make to an oral board someday please say this again...

What can I say...I can liven up a pretty drab cocktail party.

...then report back here.

[DeltaV]

It's common knowledge in most places that a first time DUI usually gets plead down to reckless driving absent certain conditions (crash, very high BAC, etc.). We know this and the department knows this. Having a reckless driving conviction when plead down from DUI is looked upon differently than simply having a reckless driving conviction. While it appears as if you meet the minimum qualifications because you weren't officially convicted of DUI, the fact that you got your reckless driving charge because it was a reduced charge from DUI will be a red flag. In the end, the competitiveness of the hiring process will determine what affect it will have on your application.