Expert: Jason Grabill - 7/6/2007

Question
Hi Jason,
  
     Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to this question. I've been wanting to be a police officer ever since I was in elementry school, but as life passed I've had some issues. I've read a bunch of articles of reasons why others who apply for police departments get DQ'd but none seem to fit into my story. I just would like a few questions asked and maybe get an opinion on if I should even pursue this career further or make the most of it at my current position as a car salesman. Once again, thanks for taking the time to respond to this.
Question 1. I wasn't a very good student in high school. I skipped a lot of class and only went for 3 1/2 years. I dropped out my junior year second semester but went back my senior year, did night classes the whole year and passed. I graduated with my class with a high school diploma. However, my gpa wasnt very good. Will this affect me in getting a job?

Question 2. After high school I went into the Air Force for about a month. I wasnt prepared to go and felt forced only because I told everyone I was going to do it. I got out on a seperation on a personality disorder. I don't think it was serious and nothing has affected me  since. I'm a more mature person now. I know it's an automatic DQ for a dishonable discharge but under these circumstances with a sepeartation, how would a PD look at this?

Question 3. Another previous employement question... I've had a TON of jobs since high school. Most of them have lasted between 3 to 6 months and I've left for various reasons or found a position that pays better. Even after I turned 21, I was in and out of jobs? I know this may affect me and can be corrected by staying with my current job. Should I wait to get a few years at this job before I apply or just go for it now? (Note: I'm 25 years old now).

Question 4. College education.. I've been to college 4 times for various things. 3 different schools. Class was easy and I did great in the classes I've finished but ended up dropping out because of finances or work schedules. How will this affect me?

Question 5. I've had 3 incidents with alcohol. I was 15 and had a public intoxication for 16 hours of community service. Later when i was 18, I had a illegal transportation ticket (which wasn't my beer but I was the driver of the vehicle) and got 3 mo. probabtion. Last, when I was 21 I got a DUI which I plead not-guilty and got off on a technicality. (I didnt break the law before I got pulled over and the case got dismissed). What will they say about this?

Question 6. Bonus question? In your opinion is it easier to get hired on a small town PD versus a large city PD?

These first five questions are the main reasons that's holding me back from leaping into this proffesion. Of course its something I've always wanted but I woud rather know that with my past as it is acceptable or if I should just hang my hat and work hard selling these cars! Thanks for your response!


Answer
Brian:

 First, you'll never know unless you give it a shot.  What's the worst that can happen?  You try, and don't make it, go back to the car thing.   At least you'll know you tried.

 On to the questions:  GPA doesn't play a major part in selection, all that matters is that you passed and got a HS diploma.  My GPA was lower than pond scum.   

 2:  Your discharge from the AF probably isn't dishonorable, more than likely it's a 'failure to adapt to military life' discharge, which are usually honorable in nature with a reenlistment code making you in-elegible to re-join the military.  While this is going to raise some questions, just be prepared to explain the reasons why.  

 3:  People bouncing around to different jobs isn't an unusual thing nowadays.  As long as the reasons for leaving were to seek better or more fullfilling employment and career goals, and you weren't fired for theft or something, it's not that big an issue.  

 4:  Many people start and stop college for the very reasons you've indicated.  Not a big issue.

 5: The DUI is an issue, but if you were found not guilty it means just that, no conviction.  Be prepared to explain these incidents in great and exacting detail.   As long as your record has been clean since the DUI charge, that shows you learned your lesson.  If you have had charges since then, it will show a pattern of behavior that will likely get you DQ'd.  

 6:  Small town PD's are usually easier to get hired in simply because of salary and benefits being lower there.  However, some large cities are experiencing a recruiting slump in applicants, and in large metro areas like Baltimore and such, they are really hurting for recruits as well as having a high turnover rate, so in some cases, it's easier to get hired with them than a smaller department.  It will really depend on your local area and what the overall situation is there.  

Again, give it a shot!

Jason