You are here:
- Home
- News/Issues
- Law Enforcement
- Careers: Police
- Acceptance to MO Police Academy
Careers: Police/Acceptance to MO Police Academy
Advertisement
Question
I am considering a career in law enforcement but I have a slight concern as to whether or not I'd be accepted due to a couple "black marks" on my record. The first being a BWI(boating while intoxicated) from approximately 5-6 years ago. At the time this was just a misdemeanor and was just a fine., now they're a bit more strict. The second is a urinating in public from the beginning of '08. This was just a violation of a city ordinance and was only a $100 fine. These are the only two marks on my record other than a few traffic violations and I have never used drugs or been involved in any violent crimes. The application asks you to list any and all convictions but it basically says you'll be denied entrance to the academy for any convictions involving "moral turpitude." I don't know if either of those two would be grounds for denial or not. Any help or advice you can offer would be much appreciated.
Bret,
The problem with answering this question is that in my part of the country there are no private police academies. First you get hired by a police department and then they send you to their own academy so first there is an extensive background check which would reveal things like you have mentioned. I have never been able to understand how they can get away with running these private academies where students have no guarantee of a job in law enforcement upon graduation.
Not being familiar with the type of academy that you talk about the best I can advise you is to be truthful. If you don't mention your arrests/convictions they will undoubtedly find out and you will never work in law enforcement. Once they catch you in a lie that is the end of the line as far as police work goes.
Perhaps a talk or an annonoymous phone call to someone who runs this academy will help define "moral turpitude" and if it applies to your convictions.
Related Articles
- Initiation at the Academy - Law Enforcement Careers
- Types of Law Enforcement Careers Available Today - Law Enforcement Careers
- Diversity of Jobs in the Field - Law Enforcement Careers
- Physical Fitness and Agility Tests - Law Enforcement Careers
- Offering Other Agencies a View of Your Agency - Law Enforcement Careers
Answers by Expert:
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.