Expert: Chris Wagoner - 8/29/2009

Question
Hello Commander Wagoner,

I would like to fulfill my dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. I'm a 39 year old female. Since I was in junior year in  high school this is what I wanted to do for a career. I never pursued it when I should have. I got married and had a son at age 19. He is now 20. I've been employed in the dental field for the last 13 years taking care of insurance, billing and presenting dental treatment plans to patients. It has provided me a decent living and a lot of experience in dealing with all sorts of people. But I'm so ready to step up and pursue the career of law enforcement that I've always kept in the back of my mind. I live in North Central Florida and I'm hoping to be accepted into the police academy for Jan.2010. I know I must first take the CJBAT test. Do you recommend buying a study guide to prepare for the test ? I also have a big question to ask you. My son got in trouble with the law for the first time when he was 17 in 2006. He was charged with a first degree felony for robbery of a pizza delivery man with a firearm here in Florida. He was accompanied by two other minor males. The weapon was a bee bee gun. We hired an attorney for him and he was able to keep the case in juvenile court, therefore, he was not charged as an adult. He proved to the court that my son did not have possession of the weapon. He was still in serious trouble though. The end result was probation, community service and an apology letter to the pizza delivery man. My husband and I were so disappointed in him. We didn't raise him to behave like that. He has never been in trouble with the law since. He moved back to New Jersey with his dad about 3 months ago. He has a job there and is looking into joining the military. I read one of your posts where you answered if a family member is a convicted felon, more than likely no department would hire the applicant as an officer. Could the trouble my son was involved in affect my becoming a police officer ? I myself have never been in any trouble with the law. I've never even got a traffic citation for anything. I'm just worried that my son's actions could affect my career goal. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I would appreciate your advice.  

Answer
Hi Val,

Well I have to say this one is actually up to the individual department you are applying to.

Many departments have policies against any association with Felons. I had an officer in one of my RADAR/LASER classes that told me he had to break off all contact with his brother because he was convicted of a felony (check fraud) that had nothing to do with the brother and his job, but because of departmental policy he had too.

Your best bet is to ask the background investigator of the department you apply too. Its not an automatic disqualification. Especially since your son is not living with you and is in another state.

Just make sure you fill out all the paperwork truthfully and if asked about this situation, explain it like you did here. It should not make any difference, but its a toss up. I would not give up on your dream, just work harder at it and make them see you really want to do this.

Be well, and I hope this helps you feel better...