Expert: Neil Wileman - 11/25/2006

Question
Finally found someone from the UK. Okay this is what I want to ask. I have my A level in public services and next year I am going to university to further my knowledge by doing my HND and then my degree. The thing is though I do have a criminal record. I want to know if i could still get in the force but i will explainwhat happened if thats ok. I didnt even do anything wrong. i was 17 and there was a burnt down post office and apparently there was some goods in there such as chocolate and crisps etc. my friends tried to get in,police were called and i was sitting on the wall outside on the main road and i was arrested too. i was the look out as i did not want to go in but when it came to court the solicitor said i was in trouble even tho i didnt do anything being a lookout was stil an offence. so i was charged and had 50 hours community service. i think the charge was  atempting to enter a bulding with intent 2 steal.but ive never stole anything in my life. apart fro that ive never been in trouble. am i wasting my time doing my degree if they wont accept me? will this always be on my record? will it be wiped? if u can help me on this situaton i will well appreciate it.

Answer
Hi Tom,

Depends - what is your degree in?

The short answer is: Yes it will always be on your record. The rehabilitation of offenders act allows you to not disclose offences after a certain time, depending on the offence. Sadly when applying for a position in the police you still have disclose, regardless of the time limit. You do not specifically give the actual offence you were charged with - I would guess some offence under the theft act (albeit this was a burglary - its the same law that applies). As you were 17 you would be classed as a juvenile. As long as you are honest I cannot see why you could not apply for the police - they will take your conviction into consideration, but the final decision rests with the force that you apply to.

Hope this helps

Neil