need advice

[westsideBB]

Hey guys, I'm a newbie on this board but I wanted to ask if anyone has any info. on the hiring process for LEO's. I am applying to 2 different depts. here in Md. and I have some skeletons in my closet. Marijuana and stealing from 3yrs ago. I was never arrested for it but unfortunately it's there in my past. Is that something that would disqualify my from working as a LEO? Anyone have/had simliar issues? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[FutureLE]

I will save some of the vets their time.

No one can tell you if it will DQ you, the only way to know is to apply and see what happens. Every dept has its own way of hiring, and what is acceptable and what is not. You are going to be at a disadvantage, because there are others without "skeletons". I know this from experience, as I have 1 skeleton.

[ZGXtreme]

Just be honest.

The ONLY thing that is quaranteed to DQ you is lying or not coming out with something at the beginning.

[mobrien316]

Just be honest.

The ONLY thing that is quaranteed to DQ you is lying or not coming out with something at the beginning.

Actually, there are quite a few things that are guaranteed to disqualify you. Lying is certainly one of them. Depending on the agency, other immediate disqualifiers include: DUI's, felony arrests, misdemeanor arrests, any charges stemming from a domestic violence incident, any charges involving a firearm, any violent crimes, any drug use whatsoever in the past five years, any hallucinogenic drug use at any time, etc...

There are lots more but they depend on the agency. Some agencies will accept someone with a DUI on their record from a few years ago, others will immediately DQ the applicant.

[westsideBB]

Thanks guys. I will try my best to impress everyone and def. be honest in the whole process. My written and physical agility tests are on Sept. 10th.

[oSutrooper]

Good luck to you

[ZGXtreme]

mobrien316... I know that LOL... I was just keeping it simple and saying the only thing that is universal across the country is lying equals DQ. He didn't say which departments he was applying to so it was easier to keep it simple lol.

But yeah Westside... mobrien316 is right, there are a variety of factors which vary from agency to agency as each has a different view on certain things. One agency may DQ you right off the bat for one thing while another may waive it if you've been good since the incident. I only said lying was the certain DQ cause that is pretty much universal... coast to coast. So just be honest and forthcoming with the departments regarding your past.