Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/12/2006

Question

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Sir,
I was hoping you could answer something for me.  I am a 25 year old male coming off of 5 years of honorable service in the US Navy.  I will be moving back to my hometown and would like to pursue a career as a police officer.  However, my criminal background is not exactly flawless.  Prior to joining the military I was charged with a felony assault, but later plead guilty to misdemeanor assault and sentenced to probation for 2 years.  During that time I failed to meet the requirements of my probation by failing a drug test.  Since that time I have completely changed my life and have excelled in my Naval career.  I have had mixed opinions when I ask others if I would be wasting time considering a career in law enforcement and would like your opinion if you have the time.  I have no law enforcement training, and no college degree but am more than willing to do whatever it takes to make myself a better candidate.  From what I have seen, I pass the minimum requirements for a local cop in my city.   Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
     Sincerely,
         Hopeful Rookie

Answer -
Hi!   I think that if all of this happened while you were a Juvenile, and you have your USN service that is honorable, you actually stand a better than average chance.  YOu should def. put in, and see what happens!   I think your military service will negate the one stupid thing you did.   Give it a shot, but be prepared to explain the entire situation (over and over, probably...).  Be completely honest when you do.  

Best of luck!

Jason

Jason,
Thank you for the info.  One last question.  I was not a juvenile for any of this and it is in my record.  Is that a huge problem and if so...  would it be worth a shot to have it expunged and apply at that time or will the info still be available to the PD??  Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Yes, it's worth trying to get it expunged.  You'll still have to tell the PD that it happened, but if it's expunged off your record, it will make things much easier for you in the application process.  It's not a "huge" obstacle, but one that will require some explaining and working around.   It will also help if you get letters of recommendation from your navy bosses, as well as others that you may still know in your community.

Good luck!

Jason