Careers: Police/Background

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/25/2008


Question
I am wanting to become a Police Officer in Oklahoma City. When I was a teen (1983), I was arrested. I was given probation and told if I did not get into any more trouble, my record would be sealed. This was 25yrs ago. I guess my questions are:
1. With my record sealed, will this show up on the background check?
2. Do they even go that far back?

I have never been in trouble since this incident.

Thanks

Answer
Jeff,

  You have to undertsand that there are thousands of police departments from the smalles three man departments to the largest departments like the NYPD.  Every single one has its own hiring standards so there are no national hiring standards for police officers.  So when you say "do they" or "will this show up" there is no way to accurately answer that question since I have never worked for Oklahoma City nor have I ever had any contact with that department.

  I will say that on MY department that if you applied at your age, which has to be almost forty, it would not be much of a factor unless it was a felony and then it might be considered especially when the deparmtnet was making the "final cut" down the the amount of new hires who are about to enter the police academy.

  But again....those comments apply only to MY department and should not necessarily apply to any other police department.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.