Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/8/2009

Question
My question is , I served with the Maryland national guard I did basic and ait and came back to my unit here no problems clean honorable record.... I got pregnant and had a very complicated pregnancy was alone ect... My unit was great and my commander let me out due to complications with a general under honorable discharge because i could not make it to training weekends. I have a re3 meaning i can reup with a waiver saying i am past the complications and all that was 14 years ago. I want to become a police officer my daughter is 14 now ( I am 35) and is supporting my choice. I have a clean record owned my own business past 10 years, good credit , good physical shape , and own my home ...letters of recomendation ect .... will the Discharge under honorable hurt my chances?

Answer
Hello Anna,
As you might suspect, prophecy is not one of my gifts.
I don't know with absolute certainty, one way or the other.
What I think, is that it won't hurt you at all.
Some people belive that an omission is the same as an untruth. Others subscribe to the view of not offering more information than is being sought.

I personally lean more toward the latter.
I would fill out all the applications as completely and honestly as you can...period.
Assuming you pass the written test, which is based on general knowledge, at the HS and GED levels....usually, then you proceed to the oral interview.
In all phases, assume you will be polygraphed on relevant matters, and answer accordingly.
Remember, they are looking for potential, honesty, character, maturity et al.
When you do the oral, try to have a semi-prepared response ready if asked. Try not to sound too canned, and don't be too wordy. Remember, each candidate has only a certain amount of time in the oral interview to sell them selves, as they respond to questions. You don't want to dwell on a subject that may be perceived as a negative, or that you are over selling...does that make sense?
Just think of an answer that is honest, complete, and to the point.....maybe add that you were disappointed that the favorable experiences ended differently than you had imagined....
Good credit is good, as is a good driving record.
If you plan to take some college classes, rather than police type classes, I'd suggest you take some written and oral communications classes, and some human behavioral classes.
For police study, for now, look into 4th Amendment stuff...search and seizure, use of force and use of deadly force (TN v. Garner)
Your age is a moot point, unless you are looking at a fed agency. They tend to have 37 as the cut off. Most local and state agencies don't like to get tangled up in age discrimination beefs.

In closing, consider your discharge honestly. If you could have handled it differently maybe say so. Or, if there were perceptional differences, suggest that too.
All in all, that was then, a long time ago, and this is now.
You were disappointed then, but have moved on, and excited about a career in law enforcement......
Look for an agency that is not in a continual budget hassle mode, as it is like pulling teeth for raises, training, outside schools, equipment etc.
Good Luck, Hope this body of OPINIONS is helpful.
Regards,
loren