Expert: Dick Rogers - 4/22/2009

Question
My question is simple, can I become a police officer if I have had two DUI's in the past?  I have done all my court orders, have not drank in two years and am very happy being sober.  I have always wanted to do law enforcement and feel I would make a great contribution.  I have made mistakes and I do take them very seriously.  Honestly I think the answer is no, but I cant let it go I think about becoming an officer everyday.

Answer
Bill, I usually don't answer questions like yours because the answers are too variable...the initial reaction to your situation is that you not only experienced a DUI, but fell for two DUI's...and that does not inspire confidence that you are in control.  Having said that, I would say that you would have to do some incredible explaining to interviewers to convince them that you have abandoned your alcohol drinking.  I would say to you that there is always hope for someone who is committed to something...it would be up to you to make people believe that you have indeed changed...I would like to have been more positive, but the details were of your making...sorry.