Should I take the time?

[wattershedd]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of paying to go through a local academy in town (because a good portion of departments here require state certification before hiring) and i just wanted to know if in your guy's expert opinions i should spend the time and money to go through it when i'm worried about the background.

Heres the specifics. I received a general (under honorable) discharge from the military. My credit still sucks but i am slowly paying things off. Most of the bills came from when i was 18ish (i'm now 27). I was convicted of a class C misdemeanor for passing bad checks (again, when i was young and dumb. believe it or not i didn't find out about it until this year) earlier this year.

Other than those my background is clear. Does anyone think any of those would stop me from getting a position? Thanks for all your advice.

[469881Q]

I think your best bet would be to call the department or recruiter in which you are applying to and ask them these specific questions. I believe only they would be able to give you a true honest assessment of your hiring potential.

[scooterlee]

As a instructor in 2 OPOTA academies here in Ohio, I hope I can shed some light for ya!

Most of the academies that are open enrollment do a background check. they are going to ask you about the things you mentioned. However, I dont feel that would keep you from getting into the academy. I have taught recruits who have had everything from DUI convictions to Drug usage. They were, like you, young and dumb at the time. They managed to get thru the academy and eventually hired by a dept. and are doing fine now!!

As long as you are in the process of clearing up the issues from the past, you have learned from your mistakes and are serious about a career in LE. I suggest you pursue the academy.

A large majority of Depts. in Ohio would prefer to hire someone who is already OPOTA certified. It saves the dept. money and time.

Good Luck, let me know if I can be of any help.

[depcaus]

I don't know how long you have been out of the military, but after a certain amount of time a general discharge can become an honorable. You may want to check into it because a "general discharge" means something was not right, therefore a red flag. As far as the bad checks, time heals all wounds. The BI may make you feel that it is serious, but it is no big deal. Good Luck.

[wattershedd]

I think your best bet would be to call the department or recruiter in which you are applying to and ask them these specific questions. I believe only they would be able to give you a true honest assessment of your hiring potential.

I will definetly be talking to them. There are a few departments that i am looking at which means a lot of talking. But i'm sure it'll get done. Thanks.

[wattershedd]

As a instructor in 2 OPOTA academies here in Ohio, I hope I can shed some light for ya!

Most of the academies that are open enrollment do a background check. they are going to ask you about the things you mentioned. However, I dont feel that would keep you from getting into the academy. I have taught recruits who have had everything from DUI convictions to Drug usage. They were, like you, young and dumb at the time. They managed to get thru the academy and eventually hired by a dept. and are doing fine now!!

As long as you are in the process of clearing up the issues from the past, you have learned from your mistakes and are serious about a career in LE. I suggest you pursue the academy.

A large majority of Depts. in Ohio would prefer to hire someone who is already OPOTA certified. It saves the dept. money and time.

Good Luck, let me know if I can be of any help.

That makes me feel a whole lot better about the whole situation. Things have been slow to clean up, but i am working on it. Thanks for your help.

[wattershedd]

I don't know how long you have been out of the military, but after a certain amount of time a general discharge can become an honorable. You may want to check into it because a "general discharge" means something was not right, therefore a red flag. As far as the bad checks, time heals all wounds. The BI may make you feel that it is serious, but it is no big deal. Good Luck.

I have looked into the issue with the discharge before. Unfortunately it is not that easy. I always heard that after six months a general turns into an honorable. But such is not the case. It will stay a general forever, unless you appeal to whatever branch gave it to you. And they have certain criteria, but what it boils down to is you have to be able to prove to the appeals board that the decision was wrong or that you were wronged. Unfortunately i can't do that, i know the mistakes I made and I accept them. So i deal with a general. But it's still better than a dishonorable.

Thanks for your help.

[wattershedd]

Hey Scooter,

Since you work at an academy I'll bug you again real quick.

Do you know or have you heard anything about the academies in and around Columbus. Specifically i'm looking at Delaware Career Center or Eastland Career Center. I'm thinking more about Delaware at the moment if only because they have a sooner start date. If you don't have any info that's okay i just thought i'd pick your brain a bit. Thanks again for your help.