You are here:

Careers: Police/i want to become a police officer but my past may haunt me.

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/1/2011


Question
8 years ago i got in trouble in the state of Delaware. i got conspiracy in the third degree and criminal impersonation impersonates another to obtain benefit or defraud. doesn't sound good but i was stupid and pretended to be my sister so i could drive the car but i told the police the truth in less than five minutes. Anyway my question for you is do i have any chance of becoming a police officer in Pennsylvania? I got my act 120 before i did this and i want to go and get recertified. what are your suggestions? thank you for your time.

Answer
Jess:

 If you got your Act 120 and THEN did this I don't think your chances are all that great.  Most places *may* overlook it if you were a kid, juvenile, or under 21...but agencies are going to look at it and think you should have known better if you already were certified.   I would still try...but it's not going to be an easy road.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.