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Careers: Police/Police Officer requirements
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Question
Dear Sir
My name is Tibe and I am 29. I graduated from college (SIUE) when I was barely 22 and worked in the corporate arena as a systems analyst since. A year ago I have applied to become a police officer with the LAPD. I passed all the tests and then the background investigator asked me why have I been arrested for theft while in college. I sent them a friends statement showing that a friend landed me the lost not stolen parking sticker and the paperwork showing the case was dismissed. I'm still in the background appeal process. Do you think I would ever have a chance of becoming a cop, since I have been arrested for theft and disorderly conduct? Both cases were dismissed and I expunged them. So I usually admit to the arrests, but maybe I shouldn't have, don't even know. I also admitted to have smoked marijuana 7 times in my past even though I never got caught. I don't have anything else on my record. Both arrests happened 9 years ago. Do I have a record or do I not have one? I told them I was not guilty of either. So I appealed.
I also passed the Illinois State Troopers Test , SLMPD, still in the background. I have a computer related bachelors and speak 2 foreign languages. Vast like experience. How else can I play my cards? Am I doing the right thing? I am thinking about attending a Police Academy. Is that a good idea? They would give me a Class A certification: P.O.S.T.
I am also 6'6', 20/20 vision 235 pounds with a 6 pack.
I look like a cop and I should be one.
What is going on with this people,? do they really think about public safety or are they on some Monastery Nun recruitment quest?
They don't have a "Monastery Nun" requirement but police departments can afford to pick the very best. If there is a hiring pool of two thousands candidates (which there probably is in LA) they can eliminate those who have been arrested and choose those who haven't. I don't think that you understand that the things that you have done are indicative of poor judgement and that carries over to police work. It can also impeach your future testimony if you every would be called to testify in court.
To sum up your prior record certainly is not going to help you but it might not hurt you.
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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.
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