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Question
I am trying to get into law enforcement as a police officer. As a juvenile I was charged with two counts of burglary one being when I was 14 and the other being when I was 17. I am nearly 24 now and it has been 7 years since my last run in with the law being when I was 17 after that I became a model citizen and I have had 1 traffic ticket. My juvenile record being my ONLY record I have no adult charges or convictions. How bad is this going to affect me in the hiring process? I've been told so many different things, now I'm confused. I've heard no felonies at can be on your record at all adult or juvenile, or that juvenile record will come up but as along as you've been good after you're an adult you should be fine. Also that since I was a juvenile I wasn't charged the same way an adult would have been charged so it wont show up on my criminal record at all. I am lost and confused. Please help.
Waylon,
You probably do not understand that there are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring policy. No two departments in this country operate exactly the same. Whoever told you about "being fine" or not being fine doesn't know what they are talking about. Every applicant is investigated thoroughly and the best candidates are selected for employment.
The best that I can do for you is to tell you that your burglary convictions as a juvenile will certainly not help you. But they 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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