Will I be disqualified?

[Jp2003]

Hey everyone, this is my first post, I found this site on google and just wanted to ask for your honesty.

Law enforcement has been in the back of my mind since I was a little kid. But once I got older, I doubted myself more and more and decided I wouldn't be able to make it.
I drifted away from that dream and pursued something else. I also made mistakes along the way.

I made some poor decisions in my life.
My past mistakes have finally caught up to me. I am embarrassed and very disappointed in myself for what I've done.
I have never been convicted of any crime, never been in trouble with the police and have always had a high respect for police officers.

I decided to take a 2 year course in Auto Mechanics, I'm about to enter my 2nd year.
I have been thinking if I should take a 4 year degree program for Criminal Justice to improve my chances, but I don't want to waste 4 years if I don't have a chance.

Here is the list of things that I have done...

- I stole a Warhammer model when I was about 13-14 years old. I have since thrown it out.
- I stole $10 from a friend when I was 10-11.
- In high school I was given a video game which I knew was stolen. I have since thrown it out.
- I work at a grocery store, when I was in high school I ate fruits, drank juices, etc in the back.
- In high school I smoked Marijuana a total of 4 times. Never done any other drugs.

This is the big one...
- When I was under 18 I viewed pictures of underage girls, I was sent pictures from girls (text messages, etc) sent pictures over the internet from girls (msn, webcam).
Also, when my girlfriend was 17, I was sent pictures of her as well, I was 19 at the time. I deleted them when I realized that was stupid. She is now 18.
- I illegally downloaded music, etc when I was younger, between the ages of 12-16.

It's really taken a lot of courage and "balls" to man up and write this. I'd like to know my chances so that I can move on with my life and not stress about this.

I have taken responsibility for my actions and I am prepared to hear the truth.
I just want you guys to be upfront with me. Thank you for the responses.

[retdetsgt]

Most of the stuff happened when you were a kid so I wouldn't worry about it much. You pushed the line, no doubt about it, but get some good time in between then and when you apply and you should be okay. Also, get a good work record somewhere, not just school. You'll need to show you're gotten a lot more responsible.

Don't bother with a criminal justice degree though. Everyone and their dog trying to be a cop gets one, bring something better to the table like computer science, accounting, etc.

[Jp2003]

Most of the stuff happened when you were a kid so I wouldn't worry about it much. You pushed the line, no doubt about it, but get some good time in between then and when you apply and you should be okay. Also, get a good work record somewhere, not just school. You'll need to show you're gotten a lot more responsible.

Don't bother with a criminal justice degree though. Everyone and their dog trying to be a cop gets one, bring something better to the table like computer science, accounting, etc.

I'm hoping to apply when I'm around 25 years or older. In total I have only had 3 jobs, I declined one.
Worked at Staples for a couple months but there hours were terrible(not enough).
Been working at this grocery store for 5 years now.
Also worked for a friends dad insulating company for a few months.

I plan to keep my grocery job until I get my Automotive diploma then get a job at a dealership/shop.
Also, I plan to volunteer more, help out the community, etc.

Thanks for the reply.

Anyone else have advice/feedback?

[mcsap]

Everybody and their brother is " good with computers " , to have someone who has a DEGREE in computers is good to have in this day and age.

FEW Police Officers have FORMAL training / degrees in dealing with the forensic side of computer investigations. Become profocient in that area and people will be beating a path to your door.

[Jp2003]

Everybody and their brother is " good with computers " , to have someone who has a DEGREE in computers is good to have in this day and age.

???