Chances of getting hired???

[dvpikes]

Well first off i'll start with the details, I'm a 22 yr old college student and will graduate with a BA in Accounting in May. GPA is good (around a 3.2) but i've always wanted to go into law enforcement (hopefully federal level in a few years).

I have no criminal record, only 2 speeding tickets when I was 16, and a parking ticket.

There is one small blemish (or one I hope is "small"). When there was 20 there was a few friends grilling out and drinking some when a patrol car pulled up and started to talk to us (keep in mind this is a small town and most everyone knows everyone else). One of my "friends" runs after a min when the officer asks how old he is while he is holding a beer. Then after this, instead of running after him, the officer asks everyone else. While i wasn't holding a beer and he did not see me drinking, when asked I admitted to drinking 2 beers, at which time the officer issued me a underage consumption ticket.

There was no arrest made. The case was decision was an informal agreement and was dismissed pending community service and 6 months of unsupervised probation. The case was dismissed and expunged from public record.

All of this was disclosed in my application and written in this same detail when turned in my appl. i've asked several friends whom are LEO's, none of which have thought it would hurt my chances.

As far as job history, I worked the same summer job since i was 15 up until two years ago when I took a job which allowed me to work 20 hours a week during school. I have never had a complaint at work, never called in sick, haven't missed a day or work in 2 years OR showed up late a single time.

I had a perfect score on PATs as well as Written exams which were taken 3/12/11.

I would just like some different opinions on what some experienced LEOs think the underage ticket would have on my chances. I have very good references which include the Sheriff of the Co, County DA, as well a an experienced THP investigator, all of whom I have known for more than 15 years.

If it makes any difference, the department i'm hoping to join is the Memphis Police Department

Any input is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

[dvpikes]

Also, i'm hoping to start the JUNE class at Memphis. Or I was told that unless the back ground was failed then I would be....

[GoDirectly2Jail]

There is nothing in your background that is a deal-breaker, although it is important to realize that we are not odd-makers or fortune tellers here.

Your 'chances' will lay largely with the specific department to which you've applied and their policies and practices, as well as the quality or any other applicants they are looking at.

[dvpikes]

Thanks for the reply. I just wasn't sure how the underage ticket would look on there.

Also I wasn't sure if I'd be put behind someone with a criminal justice degree opposed to my degree in accounting.

[retdetsgt]

Thanks for the reply. I just wasn't sure how the underage ticket would look on there.

Also I wasn't sure if I'd be put behind someone with a criminal justice degree opposed to my degree in accounting.

Criminal Justice degrees are highly overrated. Your accounting degree would be more valuable, especially if you are looking at federal.

Don't sweat the underage thing too much. I was busted as a juvenile for MIP beer and it didn't cause problems. They may look into your overall alcohol use though.

[Safety Steve]

I don't see a problem and agree with the above posts. We are all human and will make mistakes, just don't make the BIG mistakes.

Now for the advertisement: Texas Department of Public Safety is looking for a few good people!



Be Safe.

[dvpikes]

Thanks guys, that will make me sleep a little better haha.

Also, I've read in a few other forums about the back ground process, one guy was talking about how he got a COE in a week and a half others it took up to 2 months.

It's been about almost two weeks since I took my PATs and written exams, but none of my employers or references have been contacted yet which is got me a little worried. Is that normal? Also, Do they start the back grounds in order of which they think the best man for the position is, or do it in a alphabetical order type deal? Also, about how long does a BC take once they actually start one?

I realize i'm probally just over reacting, however, i'm about to graduate and if this job doesn't pan out I don't want to be scrambling trying to get a job else where.

[mcsap]

A minor in possession that was ultimately dismissed means LITTLE. Everything else you have done WAY overshadows the MIP.

You are fine. GO and apply with confidence.

[dvpikes]

A minor in possession that was ultimately dismissed means LITTLE. Everything else you have done WAY overshadows the MIP.

You are fine. GO and apply with confidence.

Awesome, thanks. I've applied and done everything now just waiting on a hopeful COE and balancing school and work as usual lol.


Once last thing, I noticed alot of guys who did PAT with me were older, in their 30s. Reading through numerous posts, several people have mentioned that the "ideal" officer is at least 25-28 year old range. How true do some of you experienced guys hold that to be the case?

In addition, if you think that holds to be evident, how much will it hurt me only just turning 22?

[retdetsgt]

In addition, if you think that holds to be evident, how much will it hurt me only just turning 22?

Life experience is always an asset. How much your age affects your getting hired is relative to the other applicants.

[dvpikes]

Life experience is always an asset. How much your age affects your getting hired is relative to the other applicants.

Alright i'll put the deal into better perspective to get a straighter answer, I'm applying to Memphis, from what I understand is that if they have 300 people pass a back ground and meet the requirements, then there will be 300 people in the next academy.

Would age be as much of a factor is that specific case?

Getting my BA in accounting in 4 years and knowning exactly what i want to do still hinder my chances of getting hired on if i'm only 22 and already ready to work because i've known what I have wanted to do since I was a little kid?

I understand guys in the military getting on after several years of service to our country and then wanting to become a police officer, It will urke me just a little bit if a 35 or 40 year old guy who's had 5 different career changes applies because he's at a dead beat job and the department has good retirement and sick/vaction leave, get the job ahead of me just because he is older.

[retdetsgt]

Would age be as much of a factor is that specific case?

Heh, we're not psychics... And again, we have no idea of what your competition is.

Me thinks, you expect too much from us....

[Citicop]

Alright i'll put the deal into better perspective to get a straighter answer, I'm applying to Memphis, from what I understand is that if they have 300 people pass a back ground and meet the requirements, then there will be 300 people in the next academy.

I know nothing about Memphis specifically, but that is not how it works anywhere I have ever heard of. What if the city can't afford to hire 300 people? What if the maximum manpower only allows for fifty more officers?

The way it works is this:

The department decides how many people they need. They do a testing process. If 300 people pass everything, and there are 50 openings, then the top 50 scores get hired, and 250 don't.

No department hires EVERY person who meets the minimum qualifications as a matter of policy.

-Citicop.