Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/19/2007

Question
You seem to have some good answers to the questions that I have seen posted, my question is to you is what would you recommend for somebody who has an AA in criminal justice, wants to get into law enforcement but has not been able to get their feet wet to get experience that a lot of jobs are requiring and also has a little bit of a checkered past??

Answer
Hello Julie,
Thank you for the compliment.
Responding to your question is a bit of a challenge, as you are vague in details.
But, I'll take a shot at it, with the understanding that there are usually two criteria in a discussion: parameters of definitions, and assumptions.
"Getting your feet wet to get experience" is not a precondition for entry level employment in LE agencies that I am aware of. If you satisfy the basics of: age, HS diploma or what ever the education requirement for an agency specific, able to pass the physical, criminal history, competitive testing etc you need no other "experience" that I am aware of. You can inquire at the agencies you are interested in, for their specific standards and requirements, as there are some differences with several agencies.
Truth be told, your question is focused more on your "checkered past", than it is about any experience issues...right??!!
Not knowing what is all entailed with your personal history, it is difficult to convey a possible solution for you.
If you have any domestic violence convictions, or a pattern of arrests, you are pretty much out of the game, as you won't be able to carry a firearm re: LAUTENBERG amendment.
If you have demonstrated a history for behavioral and mental unstableness, you most probably will not be seriously considered. If you have a history of financial problems, indebtedness, IRS issues, you are probably out. If you have history of drug use, or alcohol abuse, you can expect a challenge. How current are your "checkered past" issues will also be a factor. If you are under Doctor's care, or on certain medications, you will be challenged.
If you have testimony that has been impeached in a legal case, you probably won't be considered. These, and many more, will have a negative impact on being an attractive candidate for an agency to hire.
Parameters of tollerence vary, with LE agencies. You'll have to explore those differences, in an effort to ascertain if you have a viable shot at employment.
You may also consider talking with a labor attorney, and get some input.
If you have issues that could be sealed by the court (Upon petition), that is a consideration.
The range of considerations really depends on what your past includes, and what the standards and practices are of the agencies you are interested in for employment.
This is about the best I can do, based on what you have given me to work with.
Hope this is a little helpful for you.
Good Luck,
'Regards, loren