Expert: Loren Stevens - 4/2/2008

Question
Hi, first off I wanted to thank you for taking time out of your day to answer everyones questions. Well im 26 and have always wanted a career in law enforcement since I was about 10. My dad and brother are both cops, and from what they say its a very rewarding job and something I want to get into. Yes, I could more then likely get on the departments thier on because of knowing them, however I want to earn the position not be handed it. But anyways to get to the point. When I was 18 and 19 i had a few run-ins with the law. I was going through a tough divorce of my parents and my lack of maturity and responsibility combined with the stress of the divorce caused me to act irresponsibly. I was arrested 2 times at age 18 in one month for underage drinking and had a criminal damage to property charge (drove over my neighbors yard, very little damage). and when I was 19 I received a dwi. I completed all the court requirements and fines for the charges. Since then i have not had any trouble with the law. I was fired from one job a few years ago but I have a good explanation for it and why i should not have been terminated.I have 60 credits(major criminal justice); I now currently work loss prevention for a big retailer, and have been on A local County sheriffs department for a year now as a auxiliary deputy (full arrest powers on duty). I am wondering..if my past arrests would prevent me from holding a full time position, I am currently in the hiring process of the border patrol, and just curious what your take would be on my chances, i understand you cant predict the future, just your insight would be appreciated, thank you

Answer
Hello Dan,
I really don't know what your chances would be. Human resources in personnel matters has become a science in and of itself.
Along with the obvious issues of trying to determine matters of honesty, character, integrity, maturity, potential, judgement etc, et al. The agencies are very sensitive to down the road litigation, of hiring an unfit employee...re: vicarious liability concerns.
Depending on the nature of the issues, "youthful indiscretions" are not necessarily deal-breakers. If you get to an oral review, I wouldn't dwell on explanations/excuses, or varying perceptions. All those are, are in orbit, around a negative. You will not impress an interviewer when all that is being talked about, has to do with a negative.
If you are currently associated with a SO, as an auxiliary officer, I would suggest you sit down and speak to their human resource director, ask him/her to level with you, in real terms, rather than the avoidance dance.
And, ask your Dad and sibling to pose the question to their personnel director.
Proceed with this approach to agencies you are interested in working for. After a few of these deals, you'll start to get a feel on how the question is viewed by those engaged in current employment practices.
Assembling letters of recommendation, commendable service letters, etc all will help on the scales of decision making.
This is one of those things, where you really won't know by speculation. You need to proceed on your own initiative, as well as asking trusted family and friends to assist.
and, hiring standards are not constants. Alot depends on attrition rate, volume of attractive candidates applying, etc. The competition for quality applicants is keen, and every agency is raiding the hiring pool for the best, and it goes outward from there.
My counsel, is for you  to go for it!!
And, consult with current officers for helpful hints for that particular agency.
Good Luck, and regards.
loren