Expert: Jason Grabill - 9/20/2007

Question
I am 23 years old and in a career that I receive no enjoyment or satisfaction from. I have always been interest in law Enforcement and was hoping that you would give me some insights into my chances. Let me give you a brief of my background and please let me know what you think.

Education:
I graduated high school and immediately attended college. I received a bachelor’s of science in Digital Communications. I also received minors in Art and Art History. I do not think that my college specifics will help, but I did receive my for year degree with a strong GPA. I am a fairly intelligent guy, but I do have to work when it comes to memory.

Traffic:
I have received various tickets over the years, but nothing more then speeding. I have recently received a speeding violation for going 62mph in a 35mph. (Ouch!)  I really did not think that I was going that fast, but I will admit I was going over the speed limit. The local officer traveling in the opposite direction turned around and came up behind me with his lights on. I have my court appointment early next month.

Drug Use:
I tried marijuana 2 times in high school. I also spent some time in Europe. I tried Hash in Italy, and marijuana several times in Amsterdam. (It was legal, but I am not sure if that would count against.) I have also used marijuana several times since college has been out. I would say the total amount of times that I tried marijuana around 10 times, the last of which was in the past year. I have never used any other kinds of drugs. I have never purchased drugs illegally, and do not plan on using them ever again.

Alcohol:
I have used alcohol before I was 21. I have never had a DUI, but I was at a party that the local police busted in college. I am not sure what I was charged with but I never had to go to court and the fine was around 200.00. They were more interested in individual that was having the party. I have purchased alcohol for individual that are under 21, such as my sister and friends from college. I have also probably driven when I should not have after leaving a bar, but again I never got a DUI and at least think I was capable of driving safe at the time.

Physical Fitness:
I have played baseball and track in high school. I swam for my college as well as various other for-fun leagues over time. I have no doubt that I would pass the physical fitness test. With a little training I am sure I could do very well.

Credit:
Never missed a bill but I am fairly young, so I do not have extensive credit history.

Personality:
I am a people person who adapts very easily almost any individual. I am fairly liberal, but I do have my conservative side. I really enjoy traveling. I am close to my family, but I am not tied down. I know when I do something wrong, I have always been one to weigh consequences. I have no doubt I could uphold the law both personally and professionally if given the chance. I enjoy being on the move, but I have no problem sitting back and relaxing. I would say my most predominant personality feature is my passion for helping people.

Career History:
During high school I had one job working for the Masonic Homes. During college I worked at Hershey Park as a security officer, and at my college as a computer lab assistant and aquatics assistant. Since college I have worked at M&T bank as a retail banker. Finally I am working for AES/PHEAA in the student loan industry.

Other:
I am not sure if this info is going to matter but I guess I will share it anyway, I am an open person. I have downloaded music and other files (porn, computer programs) illegally. I have never really stolen anything other then a tie if you do not consider hiding dressing packets under napkins in a lunch line.

I realize that I have written quite a bit. If you could please take a look over my “life” and let me know if you believe I would make a good police officer, and if I have a chance when I apply for the PA State Troopers. I have no problem working hard for what I want I just want to make sure I will not be disqualified no matter what because of something I have done in the past.

Thank You!

Cory


Answer
Cory:

  Without a doubt, that is a background investigation in minature!   Based on the above, you certainly have nothing that jumps out and screams "DQ".   Needless to say, recent marijuana use will be a DQ, so that's going to be an issue if you keep doing it, obviously.  

  While you might believe your degree has little or no bearing, most agencies actively recruit those with degrees, the PSP is one of them.   It's good you don't have a CJ degree, believe it or not.

 I'd say you def. stand a decent chance, and to go for it!

Jason