What are my chances?

[ArmyEng]

Hi, thank you for taking the time to read and answer my questions. I am currently a 21 year old student majoring in Criminal Justice, and will also be working on getting a major for Business soon after I complete my CJ degree. Without going too far into my past I will tell you that I have never been arrested, never done drugs, and never really got into trouble at school. I have a lot of positive things that I could list, but I will not waste your time by listing them. There are a couple of things I have regretfully done in my past of which I am afraid might hurt my chances of becoming a police officer.

I have had 2 speeding tickets since I have begun driving. I got one a month after I recieved my license when I was 16 for 15mph over the speed limit. I also recieved another one last month on my way to training for the army for 9mph over the speed limit.

When I was 16 or 17 years old I was at work, and my friend who was working with me that night told me to come over and look at his cellphone. He showed me another picture of a 16 or 17 year old female coworker who was completely naked. He showed it to a few people, and he eventually got fired because of it I believe. I am just wondering if that will affect me in a negative way during the application process.

The one I am most worried about is what happened over a year ago now. I was just completing my MOS training for the army when I had to get surgery for a hernia while I was still there. I was still able to do limited training and recieved percesets for pain medication. One of my Sgts. was also taking percesets, because he injured his back during a jump on a mission. He was on his way of being medically discharged, but was training soldiers until he was fully discharged. One day he forgot his prescription, and he asked me if he could take 2 of my percesets since he forgot his. I wanted to help my Sgt. out so I gave him a couple. I did not think it was a big deal since we both had the same prescriptions. I did not realize that I was commiting a crime until recently. I know that is not an excuse, and I wish I could take it back, but unfortunately the damage is done. I would not have done that if I knew I was breaking the law.

So I am wondering in your opinion what my chances are. I have thick skin so you will not offend me. These are just the things I am worried about during the application process. Once again, thanks for taking your time to help me.

[retdetsgt]

I don't see any of it as a huge deal. The thing with the coworker wasn't your fault. I doubt many BI's would get too excited about the percesets, I wouldn't. It wasn't like he was taking them to get high and you knew he had a prescription. Perhaps technically illegal, I don't see it as immoral.

Go easy on the accelerator though. You're okay so far, but if you keep racking up tickets, that's a killer.

[mcsap]

I don't see any of it as a huge deal. The thing with the coworker wasn't your fault. I doubt many BI's would get too excited about the percesets, I wouldn't. It wasn't like he was taking them to get high and you knew he had a prescription. Perhaps technically illegal, I don't see it as immoral.

Go easy on the accelerator though. You're okay so far, but if you keep racking up tickets, that's a killer.

I sobbingly agree with RDS

[ArmyEng]

Thanks for the quick responses. It's good to know that I have not completely blown my chances. I just know it is very hard to get a job in law enforcement these days, especially with the economy. Yes, I will definently try and keep my speed down lol. I can't really afford them anyways.

[WhippetPD]

Using my mad forum posting skills, rather than making a new thread i figure i'd just extend on this one with the same question!

I am currently in the hiring process for a Police officer job in virginia and am incredibly excited and anxious. just 4 days ago i passed the polygraph test and my background check is in the works.
currently i am a University of Richmond student, have one underage possession of alcohol which was expunged, have experimented with smoking weed a few times (all of which i openly admitted to), passed the agility test (9min26sec 1.5 mile, 57 pushups/min, 44 situps/min), have been working since 15 so i have a extensive work experience, and love the idea of a career as a public servant. i have never been so anxious in my life and i was just wondering what some current officers would think about my situation/chances.

thanks!

[ArmyEng]

Just want to ask a quick follow-up question regarding the percesets. Is what I did technically a felony? If so, would I be able to get past that if I explain to the Background Investigator the circumstances that surrounded the incident? Maybe I am just worrying a little too much about this. Maybe some advice would help me out here.

[retdetsgt]

Maybe I am just worrying a little too much about this. Maybe some advice would help me out here.

You are. Just be up front about it to the BI and the polygraph examiner if you have to take one. I seriously doubt they will get all that excited about it.

[ArmyEng]

Alright, well that's what I plan on doing. Once again, thanks!