Expert: Jim Pastore - 2/19/2008

Question
Okay my question is that I was in the Army for three and a half years and got discharged with a General under Honorable Conditions,this was due to finacial problems my Wife and I were having. Well i have been out for two years now and have all of my credit and bill problems taken care of actually i have paid two vehicles off and so on. I want to apply with a Police Dept. but don't know how they will take my discharge, if it means anything i have been  a state Lic. Armed Security guard working for the navy for two years now and have been in a asst. Supervisor position for a year and a half will that help any or am I just out of luck.

 Thanks for all the help and if there is anything else i can do that will be favorable on my part please let me know..

 Thanks
  Les

Answer
Les,

   I would not think that the discharge would necessarily disqualify you from being hired by a Police Department. I'm sure they will want to look more into the reasons for the discharge. If as you say it was due to monetary problems the fact that you have caught up on your bills means allot. You may want to get in contact with someone from your unit ( A superior Officer) who may be willing to either write a letter on your behalf or be willing to let you put them down as a reference. I wouldn't give up on becoming a Police Officer. Also I'm sure your age at the time will be taken into consideration by any pottential employer. As all that you have to loose is some time by applying. You'll never know for sure unless you try. Be convincing when going through interviews. We all make mistakes and they know that.

Good Luck,

Jim