Expert: William Payne - 9/6/2011

Question
I'm writing you this email in hopes that I can get an accurate and honest assessment of your professional opinion in regards to possible future employment as a law enforcement officer.  I'm currently a 40 year old married male with two children and am looking to make a change in my career path.  I've always wanted to be in law enforcement, but after college decided to explore other options.  I've never been in the military and have no law enforcement experience.  I was charged and sentenced with a DUI a little over 5 years ago (misdemeanor), but have no prior charges / convictions after that.  From my research the first logical choice would to become FL Law Enforcement Certified first then start applying to different agencies.  I guess my real concern is my DUI conviction and my age being a factor at this point.  From this brief description, again, all I'm asking is for your honest opinion if I even have a chance of being accepted in a law enforcement agency given my age and the DUI.  I could go on and on regarding my education and professional working experience, but I didn't want to take up too much of your time.

Answer
Phil,


Thanks for the question.

Frankly, the age really would not be an issue, but the DUI conviction could pose some problems depending on which state you would like to work in.

In South Carolina where my law enforcement experience is at, there is a mandatory 10 year waiting period from the date of a DUI conviction until you are eligible to apply for law enforcement positions, and it does vary from state to state.

Good luck and best wishes!