Careers: Police/Prior Record

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Expert: - 10/15/2009


Question
Hello,
I am currently 21 years old and I'm interested in the law enforcement field. Unfortunately, I have been arrested twice and have received two tickets.
My first arrest was for petty larceny at age 20 for attempting to steal two shirts. I received an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) and the case was sealed and dismissed after the 6 month period.
My second arrest was for criminal trespassing, I was exploring a subway tunnel. I again received an ACD.
The first ticket I got was for jumping the turnstile. I paid the fine.
The second ticket I got was for walking in between the subway cars.  

Given these instances of interactions with the police do you think I have any chance at all of becoming an officer? Please be honest.

John

Answer
John,

There are thousands of police departments in this country and everyone has its own hiring standards.  Thus there is no "yes" or "no" answer to your question.

However you have been charged in four criminal cases.  Think about this.  Most police departments create what is calling "hiring pools" from which they can hire the best candidates.  Most of those in the hiring pool have no criminal or traffic record at all.  If everything was equal between two candidates who would you hire?  The person with a criminal record or the person with no record?

I am no way dissuading you from applying to the department of your choice but those charges certainly are not going to help you.

Careers: Police

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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.

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