Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/18/2010

Question
I looked over the requirements to become a police officer. Other than going through the training academy I have everything else completed or checked. A problem that I do have is that I've been reported as driving with a suspended license and currently on a non-supervised probation to see if i can do well. I have never been arrested nor accused of a DUI; can i still pursue being a police officer or am I not eligible anymore?

Answer
Hello Rashaad,
There is no absolute answer to your inquiry, with few exceptions.
Many/most agencies have their own standards and practices they embrace. Clearly, there are more similarities, than differences, but some differences may exist. You'll only be able to ascertain those differences, by contacting the agency you are interested in, and pose the question directly to them.

If your operating a vehicle on a suspended lic was an unintentional oversight, is one thing. If it was a deliberate disregard for the decision of a governing body with jurisdiction, is something.
One way, was accidental, the other way was deliberate disrespectful.
If yours is the latter, it may not formally disqualify you, but an oral board or hiring authority will take a dim view of either your immaturity, or blatant disregard.
Keep in mind, that 'generally', less than 10% of applicants get hired, and many of them wash out the first few months. And, during difficult financial times, government jobs are at a premium. Therefore, a human resource manager is going after the best available talent possible, and those with the least amount of "issues" to reconcile.
A "suspended" lic is for cause. You say you were not charged with an offense. Yet, if you are on any form of probation, and your lic has been suspended, a giant red flag is going up, on many levels. What you list, are associated with SANCTIONS. And, 'sanctions' are only administered for cause. You'll need to explain to an agency, in fine detail, what you are all about.
Operation motor vehicles is a huge part of duty oriented business in LE. If there is a past pattern of driving problems with you, the agency liability exposure is enlarged. You might want to read material that covers: Vicarious Liability, hiring unfit employees, maintaining unfit employees etc.
After reading some related material, you'll better have a grasp on what your chances are.
Remember, when hiring, the benefit of any doubt always falls in favor of the agency, which is usually self insured.
You might want to think about getting (in writing and on stationary) an honorable completion, when you finish your probationary period.
You might consider getting on stationary from your own insurance co. that you are not an unreasonable risk.
And, you would be smart, in taking some formal, documented driving instructions, to enhance your KSA's. Plus, it plays well, when reviewing your history.
Further, consider looking into some of the many "regulatory" positions, that investigate a wide range of things...All local and states have them, as do the feds.
Then, after you have demonstrated a solid pattern of appropriate professional track record, go for a police position then, armed with solid recent history.
And, you might want to consult with an attorney, about sealing your record criteria.
Good Luck,
loren