Expert: Jack Toomey - 1/1/2011

Question
Hello. I recently have become interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. I have some questions regarding my history and whether or not I'd be eligible for service. Allow me to preface by saying that I am 25, I've been a Christian for 3 years, I've volunteered at my local community college, I've developed a high moral standard and peek physical conditioning and want to make a difference. I have my Associates degree in psychology, and am in the process of completing my BS in Information Technology Management at University of South Florida. I feel like God is pulling me in this direction because whenever I attempt to pursue something else, doors close and I'm pulled back to this line of work. Ok...
I'm aware that a background check is done. When I was 15 I was a rebellious impressionable teen so to teach me a lesson my parents sent me to an adolescent recovery program. I've had a few tickets in my past as well. I need to know that, if these things will make it difficult to be accepted, HOW can I improve my chances of getting in?

Answer
Mark,

If there were national standards for hiring police officers then someone could give you a "yes" or "no" answer.  But since there are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards its impossible to say if you are eligible for "service".

I will say that your traffic record won't help you especially if you are in a hiring pool of a few hundred people competing for just a few spots.  All things being equal you could lose out.  The important word is COULD.  Your adolescent recovery situation is iffy because it could mean that you were a hard core drug user or maybe you weren't.

There is really nothing you can do at this stage in your life to improve your chances.  Your first 25 years will be the predictor of a good officer.

I would not let any of this stand in the way of you applying for a position on your police department.  In fact I am wondering if you are 25 why you haven't already?