Wondering if I should give up on my pursuit in the public sector. Any advice on the situation, which agency/job would be the best shot, or even a better thread/forum for this post would be appreciated.
**Background and Criminal History**
Was a typical kid in high school/college. Didn’t do anything too crazy, but stole clothes from a store when I was 16 and then did community service for it. Smoked weed for a couple years.
When I turned 18 got fired from my first job for smoking spice. Although it was legal at the time and was done off the clock, I still got let go. That was about 11 years ago.
When I was 20, I got stopped for speeding after going to a bar with a fake ID. I passed all field sobriety tests, but got cited out with about .04 BAC. The important note is I was allowed to drive home, but in a zero tolerance state for minors, had my license suspended and now have to disclose this “DUI” on my applications.
About four years later as I was going to background for a state agency I was arrested on the warrant for FTO on that same case from above. I honestly had no idea about the criminal charges and later saw in the file that the paperwork was actually not filed properly by the court; thus I genuinely didn’t know about it. However, I was arrested and booked by my background investigator. The case was resolved that same year - fake ID was a “M” that got dropped and BAC charge was an “I” that I paid a small fine on.
I applied for a number of agencies throughout the years, but have been denied in background every time and likely got blackballed.
My driving record other than that isn’t the worst, consisting of maybe 5 - 10 various tickets throughout the years and one small accident.
I recently applied for some 1811 positions with three letter agencies, but feel like it’s not looking too hot.
**Some Positives**
Currently I have a MS in LE intelligence. Am fluent in Russian. Work for a good EP company and actually like my job with decent pay and growth potential.
Previously worked in the Bail Industry on a recovery side for a good and a very reputable company with a great team of ex-LEOs, SWAT, and military guys where I got great experience and extensive training both in managing a caseload, conducting investigations and arrest.
**Final Thoughts**
I get it, beggars can’t be choosers. I am right now thinking outside of the box to see if I can get my foot in the door by either applying to out of state bottom of the barrel agencies, 1811 positions, and Intelligence jobs. Logic behind decisions:
- Was told that standards vary state to state thus trying out of state (we want to move anyway) may yield better results.
- 1811s seem to have somewhat more lenient standards as some of the background questions for locals that state “have you ever” vs. “since you turned 18” for Feds. Employment history also doesn’t cover the whole lifetime and my skill set is actually more favorable to some 1811s than it is to local agencies. Especially the USSS which I know is desperate for people and I have protection experience.
- IA, out of public eye, not driving a patrol vehicle, not carrying a weapon
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