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Question
To whom this may concern,
The reason I am writing you today is regarding my driving record and how/what it will effect me in my chances in pursuing a criminal justice career. In 2005 i was found guilty for operating while impaired, and 2nd offense drunk driving. withing the past few months i decided i would try to pursue a career in criminal justice. I am currently looking into a program at capella universtiy to go for my bachelors degree in criminal justice and homeland security. Will my past driving history effect me big time in which it would be so hard or no chance at all to receive a job in the field. I would highly appreciate some words of wisdom if i should still go for the degree or find a new field of interest. thank you
Dereck,
Thanks for the question.
Most states have a time period for people to be eligible for police officer positions after certain convictions. As an example, in South Carolina, you would not be eligible to be hired until 10 years has elapsed from the date of the conviction.
Check what state you are in to determine eligibility requirements. The second offense conviction does not bode well for you. A lot of agencies would consider you a risky liability. But look around before you make a decision, some agencies are more lenient than others.
Good luck and best wishes!
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Answers by Expert:
William Payne
Expertise
South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.
Experience
Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.
Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.
Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.
Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.
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