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Question
When I was 18 I was arrested for possession of a tool to commit a crime(spark plug). The judge put me on first offenders and gave me 4 years probation. So my 4 years is almost up and i wanted to know can I still join law enforcement or should I be looking into another career now? Thanks for your time.
Charles,
It really depends on what state you live, if it was considered a crime of Moral Turpitude, or was it a felony or misdemeanor. You more than likely will not be able to get a job as a law enforcement officer with the conviction.
That does not mean to say that you couldn't check around with some of the local agencies where you live and see what the hiring standards are with them.
Good luck and best wishes!
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Answers by Expert:
William Payne
Expertise
South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.
Experience
Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.
Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.
Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.
Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.
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