I am a recent law enforcement academy graduate (6/10) and have passed my FDLE state exam (6/25). I'm looking for some advice regarding agency application/hiring as I'm having trouble obtaining a position with an agency. The job market for the Central Florida region does not seem what I would hoped it would be when I first entered the academy. I'm even having a hard time getting my "foot in the door" as I have received 5 "sorry we have chosen a more qualified applicant" letters, 3 different agencies that state "due to the information on your application and our preliminary backround investigation, a position with our agency will not be made available".
Let me know if I am waisting my time or should I be patient and keep applying? I'm 36 years old and did some dumb things in the past, but they were 16 years ago. I know I have a few red flags on my backround which I will be happy to explain below.
Drug History
Nitrous Oxide 7/99 1 time
Wife's prescribed oxycode 8/05 1 time (root canalled tooth)
Arrest history
5/92 Loitering/Prowling non-criminal
A friend and I were waiting in my car for a girl to sneek out of her apartment (she lived with her parents) we were approached by law enforcement and asked for I.D. Unfortunately I also held a false I.D. to show I was 21. I only used the I.D to gain admittance to a bar and purchase alcohol (Wisconsin). The person who's info I used to get the false I.D. had an outstanding warrant, so of course I took a ride.
6/92 Damage to property-misdemeanor
Myself and 3 other parties turned over a vehicle causing the vehicle to be totaled.
I paid restitution, served 18 months probation, and 80 hours of community service.
Driving History
11/91-12/91 DL Suspended-failure to pay citation
08/92-12/92 DL Revoked-probation violation
11/91 Operating while suspended
03/06 Unlawful speed (fine paid, pts assessed)
10/06 Unlawful speed (fine paid, traffic school)
Education
GED obtained 5/96
Law enforcement CMS 1/28- 6/10 exam passed 6/25
Employment
I have had 3 gaps of employment
7/08 -current
4/07-7/07 (obtained State Mortgage broker License)
10/04-2/05 (at home father to newborn daughter)
Misc
I had a judgement for overdue child support issued in 2006, and recently cleared it up 6/08 and remain current in payments. I understand that it would not look good for an agency to have an officer behind in payments. I obtained a loan from family to be able to remain current until my payments are garnished from my wages.
I have had questions on applications like "How man times have you driven under the influence of alcohol and could have been arrested" My answer was 6-10 times. "When was the last time". 2003. I know this showed poor judgement, but it was honest.
I know this is a tough job market and without a College Degree or Military experience and on paper I may not be the best candidate. I still know possess what it takes to be successful in law enforcement. Just having a hard time remaining optimistic as my wife is suggesting a different career.
Let me know if I am waisting my time or should I be patient and keep applying? I'm 36 years old and did some dumb things in the past, but they were 16 years ago. I know I have a few red flags on my backround which I will be happy to explain below.
Drug History
Nitrous Oxide 7/99 1 time
Wife's prescribed oxycode 8/05 1 time (root canalled tooth)
Arrest history
5/92 Loitering/Prowling non-criminal
A friend and I were waiting in my car for a girl to sneek out of her apartment (she lived with her parents) we were approached by law enforcement and asked for I.D. Unfortunately I also held a false I.D. to show I was 21. I only used the I.D to gain admittance to a bar and purchase alcohol (Wisconsin). The person who's info I used to get the false I.D. had an outstanding warrant, so of course I took a ride.
6/92 Damage to property-misdemeanor
Myself and 3 other parties turned over a vehicle causing the vehicle to be totaled.
I paid restitution, served 18 months probation, and 80 hours of community service.
Driving History
11/91-12/91 DL Suspended-failure to pay citation
08/92-12/92 DL Revoked-probation violation
11/91 Operating while suspended
03/06 Unlawful speed (fine paid, pts assessed)
10/06 Unlawful speed (fine paid, traffic school)
Education
GED obtained 5/96
Law enforcement CMS 1/28- 6/10 exam passed 6/25
Employment
I have had 3 gaps of employment
7/08 -current
4/07-7/07 (obtained State Mortgage broker License)
10/04-2/05 (at home father to newborn daughter)
Misc
I had a judgement for overdue child support issued in 2006, and recently cleared it up 6/08 and remain current in payments. I understand that it would not look good for an agency to have an officer behind in payments. I obtained a loan from family to be able to remain current until my payments are garnished from my wages.
I have had questions on applications like "How man times have you driven under the influence of alcohol and could have been arrested" My answer was 6-10 times. "When was the last time". 2003. I know this showed poor judgement, but it was honest.
I know this is a tough job market and without a College Degree or Military experience and on paper I may not be the best candidate. I still know possess what it takes to be successful in law enforcement. Just having a hard time remaining optimistic as my wife is suggesting a different career.
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