Question on D.U.I

[Mathias7]

I have passed the test and have orientation for the Sheriff's Department in San Diego, I have a clean civilian record nothing but 1 ticket I paid for 2 years ago. I have an honorable discharge form the Marines, but I got a D.U.I when I was in I served my punishment and did my time. This was three years ago. The D.U.I is not on my civilian record, I'm not going to hide it from the BI but will I be automatically DQ because of it. I have never done anything else I was stupid and learned from it, I have never done drugs so I'm good there but will this affect me. Can someone tell me if possible.

[SCSO612]

Most agencies in Arkansas will DQ you for five years from first DUI/DWI. If you have more than one in the past 15 years, yeah, you can forget it.

[Mathias7]

Thanks I know your from Arkansas but I'm in California and it is not on my record will that still be the problem. I'm still going to try and never give up I will just have to see where it goes with the BI. Thanks for your post though.

[SCSO612]

Well since I'm not a Deputy in California (or more specifically, with the agency in question) I have no way to determine how your situation will be viewed. Ask the agency. It seems as if you're thinking about concealing it since you keep repeating that it's not on your "record". I will advise you to be very careful about that. Just because a charge doesn't appear on a civilian "record" it is still a conviction if it is sustained by ANY military officer in either an Article 15 or 32 proceeding. I know this because I am also in the military and have had to discipline soldiers for similar offenses. If you are caught (and you will be) lying, deceiving, or attempting to do so with a prospective employer you will be permanently barred from LE. Is that worth the risk? I can't answer that for you, you must. Just remember that your military records are fair game during a background investigation, and believe me they will look at them. Most of the time, also, the background questionaire will have a question or two asking about discipline while in the military. God help you if you answer no and that shows up. Good luck.

[DACP]

It's not on your state record, but it is in your military records. Sgt Chp will probably have the best answer, my guess and it’s only a guess is that yes it will hurt for a few years.

[Mathias7]

RDEP I never said I was going to hide it. I stated already that it was not on my civilian I'm not going to lie about it I just wanted to know how it would hurt me cause it was military related. I'm not going to jepordize my chances by lying I have no reason to hide it. Please don't make assumptions on me like that. I just wanted to know there are far more worse things people have done then me Im not perfect. They are officers but I'm just saying how are my chances.

[SCSO612]

The way you were wording your posts alluded that you might be considering lying. I never accused you or assumed you were lying, learn how to read. Also, unless someone on this forum is from the agency you wish to know about, and unless you're willing to name that agency, nobody can answer that question for you. I told you what would happen in Arkansas. That is all I can do.

Here is my question: Why does every person on this forum that comes here for this type of advice seem to feel the need to point out "there are cops that have done worse than me", or "it's not that big of a deal", etc? Yes, there are cops that have DUI/DWI charges. Why do you feel the need to rationalize that to us? We don't have any decision-making authority or influence with your department.

[PhilipCal]

Your specific answer will have to come from the Department to which you applied. Essentially, a DUI is a DUI, whether or not it was prosecuted or adjudicated on base. The DUI will have to be disclosed. It's possible that your DUI will prevent you from moving forward in your current process,and a wait may be required before you can re-apply. I suggest you speak to a Recruiter, or someone with knowledge of the Department's policies in these matters. That way, you get a definitive answer, and not a guess.

[Mathias7]

Well thank you everyone. I will call the agency and see what they say I will still take my chances for where I have gone it doesn't hurt to see. All I can do is have faith everything will be fine. I'm not going to hide nothing and just see.

[Xerious]

It won't be an auto DQ. My agency wouldn't have too big a problem with it, if this is the only negative to your background.

[jason kidd]

Don't sweat it!!!!!!!!!!! Just be honest about it, I know a few guys who were Marines with issues that actually got hired there.

[mikeymedic]

Let me be the one to remind you that you're competing with people who have done far LESS. Not to mention that there are a lot of laid off police officers out there right now with outstanding records. Good Luck. Don't give up, each agency is different.

[Mathias7]

Hey thanks everyone for all the information, I have been talking to a couple Deputy's that work for the department and they say that I should be fine, all people are based differantly. So I will just go from there I talked to the agency and they said pretty much the same thing, so I will just keep trying