Backround opinions

[phil0115]

Hello, I am currently a 22 year old college student that is interested in a career in LE. I have a clean criminal record aside from two traffic violations when I was 18, good credit, and very good interpersonal skills. As most do in this section of the forum, I have some past indiscretions that I have questions about that I would like to get opinions on. I thank you for your time.

Between the ages of 16-17 I stole merchandise from my employer. The items consisted of misc. candy, a few sodas, cheap dvd's and $5 cash. Total amount of merchandise equates to about $40-$45. Immature, dumb, and completely unacceptable on my part.

I also drank underage about 5-6 times while in high school.

At age 19 I stole $20 from my current employer with the intent to pay it back (which I have), but what I did was still against company policy and I should be held accountable for that

I have tried MJ once in my life, it was purely experimentation and quite frankly a dumb one at that. This occurred 3 years ago.

My last one is that I furnished alcohol to my GF who was 19 at the time. This is my most recent one, last occurring about a year ago.

I have since stopped any and all illegal activity no matter how severe or minimal. I expect to complete by bachelor degree in the next year or so and I have been at my current job for four years. I currently volunteer at my local police department by being involved in their citizens police academy alumni association which provides as an asset to the police department.

I understand that some of these indiscretions are fairly recent and I am prepared to be forthcoming and 100% honest about them when it comes time to apply. I understand that there is no "perfect" applicant , but that is no excuse for my wrongdoings and I take full responsibility for them. NO EXCUSES! I believe that police officers should be held to the highest standard with attributes of integrity, honestly and professionalism. This is the career I want but I also understand that want is not going to get me hired. I'm hoping my honesty and good moral character get me into this field but I also realize that I probably need some more time away from these immature and foolish acts to hopefully someday realize my goal.

Thank you for any input you may have and thank you very much for your dedicated service.

[Cat_Doc]

I'm hoping my honesty and good moral character get me into this field but I also realize that I probably need some more time away from these immature and foolish acts to hopefully someday realize my goal.

Bingo.

Providing alcohol to underage persons or attending parties where underage drinking is occurring is a big no-no and has gotten a lot of young cops in trouble. It is very much frowned upon in all professional agencies.

Set a good track record with some time and you should be okay.

[pac201]

Bingo.

Providing alcohol to underage persons or attending parties where underage drinking is occurring is a big no-no and has gotten a lot of young cops in trouble. It is very much frowned upon in all professional agencies.

Set a good track record with some time and you should be okay.

I wasn't going to be that nice.

[marinepilot]

I wasn't going to be that nice.

Good thing Cat got there first!!

[phil0115]

I greatly appreciate the input. I live in the Dallas area where there is a plethora of departments to get hired on to. I'll stick with my current job, complete my degree, continue to better myself more and more and use sound judgment and integrity in my everyday life. Hard work and determination will hopefully get me there.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

I would wait to apply until you are at least 25. That said, provided you follow through with you say and stay on the straight and narrow, you have a decent chance.

[phil0115]

Another question if I may. How much do indiscretions from the teenage years ( ages 13-17) weigh in on an applicants chances? Obviously if something hardcore like burglary, aggravated assault, hard drug use, rape, etc., occurred then that would be viewed in a different light, but I mean more along the lines of petty things like teenage mischief and more common immature things that teenagers have a propensity to do like being out past curfew or doorbell ditching the neighbors? I know this will vary from department to department but If i could get a general synopsis that would be much appreciated.

[mcsap]

Instead of just stopping doing the stupid stuff.....how about starting doing GOOD stuff ? Volunteer work , donating time to a worthy cause , getting involved with the community.

DO more than just stop being a " bad " person , actually GO and BE a good , productive person.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

And see a physician ASAP. A 'backround' might be indicative of scoliosis or kyphosis.

[phil0115]

Instead of just stopping doing the stupid stuff.....how about starting doing GOOD stuff ? Volunteer work , donating time to a worthy cause , getting involved with the community.

DO more than just stop being a " bad " person , actually GO and BE a good , productive person.

As I stated in my OP, I currently volunteer for my local PD's ctizens academy alumni association which offers tremendous help for the police department and also works in conjuntion with thier citizens on patrol program.

[phil0115]

Okay so earlier this week I sent a money order to my previous employer along with a letter of apology for the merchandise I took 5 years ago as restitution for my lack of judgment. This would of course not take away from what I did but I think it at the very least shows that I've taken responsibility for my actions and learned from it. Is this looked upon more favorably as opposed to doing nothing about it?