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Question
I am 26 years old and am planning on turning in my packet regarding my background. However, I am worried about my past. I have never been arrested but I have stolen from an employer ( 8+ years ago), drank underage, and my credit is not very good… bad really. I am setting up payment plans with my creditors
Do I still stand a chance?
Alice,
It really depends on what the state you live in mandates for police officers, as well as what the police agency you are applying for requires.
No arrests are great! The under age drinking is something pretty common that young police recruits come in with, and recruiters are aware that this occurs, most probably engage in this type of behavior as well.
The theft could pose a potential problem that could disqualify you. It depends on what was stolen, how often you stole, what you stole, and etc. Be truthful in the background investigation.
The credit issue can be kind of sticky as well. Some states require a good/fair credit score for police officers. A bad credit problem could indicate that the police recruit can't handle some personal issues or that it may lead to greed, bribery, theft to cover financial problems. It is good that you are making an effort to correct your situation, that is a plus for you.
Good luck and best wishes!
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Answers by Expert:
William Payne
Expertise
South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.
Experience
Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.
Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.
Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.
Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.
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