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Careers: Police/Becoming a LEO Chapter 10 discharge

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Expert: - 8/16/2010


Question
How hard would it be for me to become a police officer in my city if i have a chapter 10 OTH Discharge? Before i joined i did ride alongs with my friend for nearly 3 years and made friends with alot of the officers and was even emailing the chief of police about my future employment with them after i got out of the military. The reason i recieved a chapter 10 was because i got really drunk one night (i was underaged) and made a fool of myself in front of one of the most high ranking officers and his family. It was stupid i know and i regret it. We all make mistakes. Ive also heard people say if you dont mention you were in the army then they would never find out?? Dont think i beleive that. I think since im friends with over hakf the department helps but it worries the hell outa me. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Jeff,

I can't possibly tell you what each of the thousands of police departments are going to do.  Each one has its own hiring standards.

I can tell you that you would be disqualified for employment on MY department for anything less than an honorable discharge.

Let me also assure you that the background investigators would find out that you were in the military if you chose to lie on your application form.  That would not be good.  Whoever gave you that advice simply does does not know what they are talking about.

If you are a friend of the chief of that department then that would be a good place to apply.  Perhaps they would overlook your situation.

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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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