Driving record

[USMC_HMX1]

I am new to TX and seriously considering a career move into Law Enforcement. I have a question regarding driving records. I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years and was Honorably discharged. While in the Marine Corps, I was transferred to many duty stations for training. I got my first license in the state of Florida in 2003. While in Florida I did received some speeding tickets. My Florida license was suspended for 30 days because I paid the wrong amount on one of those speeding tickets. I know, this was my fault but I was new in the U.S. (I am from Puerto Rico) and ignorant on how the system works here. I paid the correct amount and got my license reinstated in the prescribed time (30 days). This is the only blemish in my background, while in the Marine Corps, I was selected to join the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (Marine One) in Washington DC. I was investigated by a federal investigator an got processed for a Top Secret security clearance with “Yankee White” (White House) access, which I still presently hold. With that said…… will my driving record be a show stopper for a Law Enforcement career????

[Adrenolize]

I am new to TX and seriously considering a career move into Law Enforcement. I have a question regarding driving records. I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years and was Honorably discharged. While in the Marine Corps, I was transferred to many duty stations for training. I got my first license in the state of Florida in 2003. While in Florida I did received some speeding tickets. My Florida license was suspended for 30 days because I paid the wrong amount on one of those speeding tickets. I know, this was my fault but I was new in the U.S. (I am from Puerto Rico) and ignorant on how the system works here. I paid the correct amount and got my license reinstated in the prescribed time (30 days). This is the only blemish in my background, while in the Marine Corps, I was selected to join the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (Marine One) in Washington DC. I was investigated by a federal investigator an got processed for a Top Secret security clearance with “Yankee White” (White House) access, which I still presently hold. With that said…… will my driving record be a show stopper for a Law Enforcement career????

Semper Fi!

I'm trying to get hired myself. It sounds like your situation is a lot better than most. I would advise you talk to the department you are looking at. You will get a much better feel for how it would work for you. Most applications have places to explain what happened with your driving history. I'd say go for it!

Good luck!

[USMC_HMX1]

I already passed the written and PT tests. I am 33 and did WAY better than the young bucks that were there. I ran the 1.5 miles in 12:07, did 78 push-ups and 89 sit-ups in 1 mike, not bad for an old timer like myself. I am completing the BI packet as we speak but I really do not want to get my hopes high, you know what I mean..... I have a really good job that pays great, but Law Enforcement is really knocking at my door. I am willing to take the paycut. Anyway, best of luck to you Marine and Semper Fidelis!!!

[pac201]

looks like just a little bump in the road; a chance to explain should clear it up.

Thanks for your service and Good Luck!!!

[Adrenolize]

I already passed the written and PT tests. I am 33 and did WAY better than the young bucks that were there. I ran the 1.5 miles in 12:07, did 78 push-ups and 89 sit-ups in 1 mike, not bad for an old timer like myself. I am completing the BI packet as we speak but I really do not want to get my hopes high, you know what I mean..... I have a really good job that pays great, but Law Enforcement is really knocking at my door. I am willing to take the paycut. Anyway, best of luck to you Marine and Semper Fidelis!!!

I'm 34 and in the same physical shape. I just knocked out a 291 PFT this AM. Its a pride thing, I guess! I also have a good job and get a really high salary, but money isn't where it is at. I just finally got a chance to jump back in and get back to TX ASAP. Texas really is the best place to be!

Sounds like your squared away, and trust me I know the application well test you just in the waiting. I've been in my hiring process since October!

FYI, it is very satisfying to school people you have a solid decade on in the PT side of things.

Stay strong!

[USMC_HMX1]

Where in TX are you applying???

[Adrenolize]

Where in TX are you applying???

I went straight to the top and going for DPS Trooper. There are a few reasons for this, if you want specifics PM me and I'll give a class on my assorted experiences in the civvy police sector.

Keep me updated on your progress.

[CincyCop]

...looks like just a little bump in the road; a chance to explain should clear it up...

I would agree with pac201...and you appear to articulate pretty well already.

HMX? Dang! That's some pretty select duty to receive.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Thank you for your service. I only take one (small) issue with what you've posted. I bolded it:

I am new to TX and seriously considering a career move into Law Enforcement. I have a question regarding driving records. I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years and was Honorably discharged. While in the Marine Corps, I was transferred to many duty stations for training. I got my first license in the state of Florida in 2003. While in Florida I did received some speeding tickets. My Florida license was suspended for 30 days because I paid the wrong amount on one of those speeding tickets. I know, this was my fault but I was new in the U.S. (I am from Puerto Rico) and ignorant on how the system works here. I paid the correct amount and got my license reinstated in the prescribed time (30 days). This is the only blemish in my background, while in the Marine Corps, I was selected to join the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (Marine One) in Washington DC. I was investigated by a federal investigator an got processed for a Top Secret security clearance with “Yankee White” (White House) access, which I still presently hold. With that said…… will my driving record be a show stopper for a Law Enforcement career????

Puerto Rico, as a territory of the U.S., has speeding ticket and license suspension laws that are similar to most of the states. To claim ignorance is a bit like minimizing.

I wouldn't accept that excuse from a driver from one of the 50 states, and I wouldn't accept that from a Puerto Rico driver.

Okay, now, that said - you don't have much to worry about in reference to your driving history. You may want to inquire with the Florida DMV to send you a copy of your history, to make sure your application is as accurate as possible. Good luck.

[USMC_HMX1]

When I was giving the ticket it had no $ amount posted on it.... So I called the local clerk and they told me that it was one amount, so I diligently paid it. I moved from FL to California and a month after the ticket, in California, I found out that my license is suspended. So, I called FL DMV and they told me that my license was suspended because I failed to pay the ticket. I told I paid and gave them my receipt number. The clerk apologized and told me that I was given the wrong amount. I sent the difference via check and in 30 days they reinstated my license. I guess it was bad luck with a combination of me not double checking... It's funny because this issue did not affect me in my clearance process with DoD.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

That's not being unknowledgeable about the system, that's just receiving the incorrect information. People are people and it happens.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

That's not being unknowledgeable about the system, that's just receiving the incorrect information. People are people and it happens.

With the additional you provided, that suspension is not your fault.

One other thing, you should not equate the background for your TS clearance with the background any potential agency will perform on you. They are two SEPARATE processes, with different aims and goals. What is important for one may be negligible for the other and vice versa.