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Like many others in this section, I'm going to divulge the shameful parts of my past to get opinions on whether or not I would be a good candidate for LEO or not. I've been reading through various other threads and nothing really matches my experience that I've found (I admit though, I haven't read EVERYTHING).
First, a little history. I've never really known what I wanted to be when I grew up. No career ever jumped out at me and got me excited. I've known various LEOs through my Dad being in the military with them, and in various martial arts schools that I've gone to, as well as my gym, etc. One of my best friends became an officer when he was 21 and I've met a lot of others through him. They all have one thing in common, they absolutely LOVE their jobs. When I started college at 18, I had every intention of getting a four year degree and becoming an LEO. It soon became apparent to me that I was not mature enough for that and I lost my way again. I did work security at a hotel and bar for 6 months after college and I really liked dealing with people, even the hostile ones. I ended up with a Bachelor's degree and got a job with my state as a rehab counselor in 2004 and have been doing that ever since. I've earned a Masters Degree since then as well. It's been over 5 years now, and one thing is clear - I'VE GOT TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE. I cannot be behind a desk for the rest of my career. I'm going to go crazy.
So once again, I'm considering LE as a career. It has always been in the back of my mind. I've just always assumed that because I wasn't a boy scout all of my life, that I'd have no chance of being hired. My friend seems to think that I would have a good chance of being hired, but his is just one opinion. He thinks that with my education, my great physical conditioning, my healthy appreciation and practice of combat arts, and the fact that it's been over 8 years now since I've been in any real trouble would make me stand out over many applicants.
Here's the bad. What's on my record:
1996: speeding ticket
1999: cited for possession of alcohol by a minor (18 at the time)
2000: speeding ticket
Sept. 2001: arrested for Alcohol Intoxication (21 at the time)
Sept. 2006: speeding ticket
What's not on my record, but I've still done?
At age 16, like most teenagers, I was stupid and impressionable. My first official job was at a gas station. I worked with an older guy that I thought was cool at the time. He and the other employees would usually grab a soda or candy bar or whatever from time to time and not pay for it. I did so too a handful of times because I wanted to fit in with them. That's stealing. I was never caught, but it was still wrong, and I did know better. Just too stupid to care at the time I guess. I know I'll be asked on the polygraph about stealing, so I'm not going to lie, but surely my age would be taken into account, right? Will they even ask about things you did before being a legal adult?
Also did some other stupid crap as a teen such as egging stuff. Which I guess qualifies as vandalism, minor as it may be.
One thing I've never done though is illegal drugs (other than being too young to try alcohol and tobacco). Never even took a puff of weed. And God knows I was around enough of that stuff. Virtually everyone I hung out with smoked at some point in our friendship.
I'm now 29, 5 years into a professional career, settled, married, and have started a family. No trouble other than a speeding ticket in last 8 years. How would I measure up at your departments? Should I even attempt to go through the application process?
I also just gotta say, I went on a ride-along a few weeks ago on a saturday night and had an absolute blast!
Sorry for the long post guys and gals. If you made it through all that crap, thanks for your time.
First, a little history. I've never really known what I wanted to be when I grew up. No career ever jumped out at me and got me excited. I've known various LEOs through my Dad being in the military with them, and in various martial arts schools that I've gone to, as well as my gym, etc. One of my best friends became an officer when he was 21 and I've met a lot of others through him. They all have one thing in common, they absolutely LOVE their jobs. When I started college at 18, I had every intention of getting a four year degree and becoming an LEO. It soon became apparent to me that I was not mature enough for that and I lost my way again. I did work security at a hotel and bar for 6 months after college and I really liked dealing with people, even the hostile ones. I ended up with a Bachelor's degree and got a job with my state as a rehab counselor in 2004 and have been doing that ever since. I've earned a Masters Degree since then as well. It's been over 5 years now, and one thing is clear - I'VE GOT TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE. I cannot be behind a desk for the rest of my career. I'm going to go crazy.
So once again, I'm considering LE as a career. It has always been in the back of my mind. I've just always assumed that because I wasn't a boy scout all of my life, that I'd have no chance of being hired. My friend seems to think that I would have a good chance of being hired, but his is just one opinion. He thinks that with my education, my great physical conditioning, my healthy appreciation and practice of combat arts, and the fact that it's been over 8 years now since I've been in any real trouble would make me stand out over many applicants.
Here's the bad. What's on my record:
1996: speeding ticket
1999: cited for possession of alcohol by a minor (18 at the time)
2000: speeding ticket
Sept. 2001: arrested for Alcohol Intoxication (21 at the time)
Sept. 2006: speeding ticket
What's not on my record, but I've still done?
At age 16, like most teenagers, I was stupid and impressionable. My first official job was at a gas station. I worked with an older guy that I thought was cool at the time. He and the other employees would usually grab a soda or candy bar or whatever from time to time and not pay for it. I did so too a handful of times because I wanted to fit in with them. That's stealing. I was never caught, but it was still wrong, and I did know better. Just too stupid to care at the time I guess. I know I'll be asked on the polygraph about stealing, so I'm not going to lie, but surely my age would be taken into account, right? Will they even ask about things you did before being a legal adult?
Also did some other stupid crap as a teen such as egging stuff. Which I guess qualifies as vandalism, minor as it may be.
One thing I've never done though is illegal drugs (other than being too young to try alcohol and tobacco). Never even took a puff of weed. And God knows I was around enough of that stuff. Virtually everyone I hung out with smoked at some point in our friendship.
I'm now 29, 5 years into a professional career, settled, married, and have started a family. No trouble other than a speeding ticket in last 8 years. How would I measure up at your departments? Should I even attempt to go through the application process?
I also just gotta say, I went on a ride-along a few weeks ago on a saturday night and had an absolute blast!
Sorry for the long post guys and gals. If you made it through all that crap, thanks for your time.
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