Expert: Dick Rogers - 3/28/2009

Question
Mr.Rogers,
I am 33 years old and live in Ohio, I lost my job due to it being sent to Mexico. I am currently enrolled in a Community College to achieve an Ass. Degree in Criminal Justice with the Police Academy. My question is, back in 1994 i was convicted of domestic assault(misdemeanor) I have never been in trouble prior to this and have not been in any trouble since this, I have many friends who are Police Officers and they are the reason I want to go into law enforcement. Will this stop me from attending the academy and becoming a police officer? If so, is their ant thing I can due?

Answer
Jody, much depends on your ability to answer questions dealing with your 1994 arrest.  If you were quite young at the time, and there were circumstances that contributed to your state of mind at the time, then perhaps the interviewers can find a way to mitigate the incident.  The fact that you have had a clean record...and that you have made a serious effort to make yourself a viable candidate will go a long way to sway interviewers.  You have to convince the board that your behavior back then was irresponsible and you have lived your life since in a manner that reflects your personal recognition of that fact. It appears that you were not convicted of a felony and the fact you have a misdemeanor on your record is surmountable, but it is up to you to do this.  I wish you well.