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Post by Brandon on Oct 10, 2002 23:46:05 GMT -5
Hello ladies and gentlemen. I am graduating from a major university in December and I have already applied to a law enforcement agency. Here are some questions that I have regarding my chances...
*The specific agency said that they have stopped the application process until March of 2003, so should I send in applications to other agencies or wait until this coming March?
*Will my criminal history disqualify me from the beginning if it entails a speeding ticket and a misdemeanor assault charge for getting the long end of the stick in a fist fight? These instances happend when I was a juvenile (17 years of age), and I am currently 23 years old. In addition, I disclosed all of this information on my application.
*I have no prior experience. Will my four year-degree from a major university greatly increase my chances?
Thanks again,
Brandon
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Post by marcusinmb on Oct 11, 2002 0:31:11 GMT -5
Hi Brandon, welcome aboard.
Firstly, I'm Canadian and not an expert in neither US law nor US police agencies but I have been on quite a few agency websites and can get the ball rolling.
Secondly, there is nothing 'criminal' about getting a speeding ticket. It is not a big deal and I have never seen a agency looking for someone with a perfect driving record. You CANNOT get a ticket every month however and expect to get on...that would demonstrate a continuous disregard for traffic safety laws. One ticket...we all get caught once in a while.
Thirdly, ref the juvenile conviction. Most agencies sites that I've visited are very specific about their standards in this area. Each agency may be a little different so check with the one you're interested in. I've seen many that stated 'no misdemeanors in past 3 yrs' or maybe 6 yrs but the point is, many do show some leniency provided it wasn't too serious (a felony), and a good deal of time has passed since the offence. Since you were a juvie at the time, this is where my cross-border ignorance comes in. I'm not sure if US juvie convictions stay with you for life.
In Canada, someone under the age of 18 is generally convicted under the Young Offenders Act unless it is a serious situation. This YOA record does not follow you to adulthood. (I wish it would for a lot of the s*#theads out there) Also in Canada, you need a pardon for any crim record conviction you may have in order to be considered by a police agency.
Only you can decide if you wish to wait for your agency of choice to open up the application process again, or if you wish to keep looking in the meantime. Perhaps your research will locate some agencies that your temporary poor adolescent actions will be allowable for application.
Hope this helps, or at least gets some more informed feedback.
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Post by JimCMR on Oct 11, 2002 11:25:13 GMT -5
Brandon:
You should not have any problem with your "history".
You should make application to a couple other agencies, 2 or 3, not 2 dozen. Be selective.
A 4 year degree, is a definite plus, especially in an agency where a 4 year degree is not required.
Keep reading this Board, you will find a wealth of information, Charlie & Cpl Mike to name a few have many years of LE experience, and can point you in the right direction.
GoodLuck. JimCMR
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Post by UTK824 on Oct 11, 2002 11:36:50 GMT -5
Thank you so much guys. It is great to be able to discuss these issues with people who have similar interests and aspirations. I know you all probably see the same questions and scenarios from many people in my position, so thanks for responding.
Brandon
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