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Careers: Police/Military Discharge General Honorable Conditions Personality Disorder

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Expert: - 8/27/2011


Question
Hello Mr. Toomey. I'll get right to the point. I am 23 years old and considering becoming a police officer for a variety of reasons. I am concerned, however, that my type of discharge from the Navy will disqualify me. When I was 19, and an idiot, I decided it would be a good idea to get out of the military, for political reasons, by way of seeing the command psychologist. Long story short, the doc helped me achieve my moronic goal and two weeks later I was discharged 'by convenience of the government.' The reason cited was psychological, Borderline Personality Disorder. RE-4.

A few years have passed and I've decided that I want to be of service to my community, instead of being a waste of space. How will this psych thing affect my chances?

Thank you for you time, Sir.

Answer
Bryan,

There is no "yes" or "no" answer to your question.  The reason is that there are thousands of police departments in this country and each has its own hiring standards and requirements.  Its basically like thousands of little companies operating independently of each other.

The best that I can do for you is to tell you that the conditions of your discharge will certainly not help you.  Not that you are going to apply for MY department but you would not be considered because anything but an honorable discharge is almost always cause for elimination.

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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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