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Post by Lava828 on Apr 26, 2003 14:19:59 GMT -5
Hi guys i have a question, i just made it to the PAT for the PA state police and i was wondering when i was in HS i shoplifted a few times, smoked marijuana once and stole a small amount of money from my first employer, i have had one traffic ticket in my life, never been in a fight, good credit about to graduate college with a 3.9 gpa, took part in several charities voluntered and worked at sports camps to help kids. Also very active in sports and in good shape. My question is ive been clean from any dumb activities since 1998 which was my junior year in HS i am going to be 23 and am a completely different person now do you think these issues will DQ me from the process ?
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Post by journey2cps-redux on Apr 26, 2003 15:50:53 GMT -5
Not at all...as long as you are honest and tell them about these things when asked ;D
We ALL did stupid things when we were younger, since you haven't done anything in the last 5 years it shouldn't matter about your past. I know people who have done worse things when they were younger and they are now police officers in Canada. Don't sweat it. I'm sure you will do fine.
J2D
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Post by lava828 on Apr 26, 2003 15:57:40 GMT -5
Thanks Journey  that does alot to give me a confidence boost going into the next stages of testing. I plan on being 100 percent honest with them and give them all the info they need. Thanks |
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Post by journey2cps-redux on Apr 26, 2003 16:05:07 GMT -5
Sounds like a good plan to me ;D
Make sure you keep us posted with your progress.
J2D
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Post by Ed Hutton on Jun 29, 2003 21:26:03 GMT -5
Hi, I just wanted to say that it appears that you have turned yourself around, and are a high achiever. I am a cadet attending Indiana University of PA's part time academy at Carnegie Mellon...I have always been impressed with the PSP, they are a class act. My best wishes to your future success!!
Ed Hutton
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Post by Charlie on Jun 30, 2003 0:24:14 GMT -5
Lava828--Judging from what you've posted, I would say that it is probable that you will not be permanently disqualified from most cop jobs BUT, you'll definitely have to do some explaining about some of those past poor judgments you've made in your life.  I don't know much about the PA State Police but I have generally heard getting on board with this agency is a significant challenge. They're an often sought after agency up there in the northeast US. And I have generally heard they have a well-established respected reputation built for themselves. I don't recall the specific source but I have also heard they get applicants numbering in the thousands whenever they test!  If true, this typically leads to some fierce competition to land a slot in the academy. My intent is not to scare or worry you but am only passing on information that may be of interest to you. Your 3.9 GPA speaks well of you but remember it often takes a combination of qualifications to get on board a lot of departments. If there is any acuracy to what I have heard about PSP, you'll definitely have your work cut out for you! Incidentally, anyone out there have any information about the PSP that supports or corrects the information I have heard about them? No one is perfect and we've all made our stupid mistakes in life. And, some departments are more forgiving than others with regards to past bad decisions yu may have made. Your planned approach is probably the best thing you can do. But remember one thing: one typically has to apply more than once to get on board a lot of departments out there. A lot of people get discouraged if they're not hired the first time through the entire process. My point is: Accept the fact you may have to apply more than once and completely process. And, if needed, contact a recruiter at any given department you're interested in possibly working for and discuss your concerns. It may perhaps give you a better "feel" of where you stand and what your chances may be in getting a cop job somewhere. Hope this helps.... -- Charlie |
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Post by Lava828 on Jul 4, 2003 18:49:06 GMT -5
Thanks Charlie i just checked the board, i posted the question in April and im pleased to say i have moved on in the selection process, I passed my Poly and am almost done with my background, all that is left is the credit check and driving record, then Psych, my Background investigator told me that in Nov i will more than likely be heading to the PA state police training in Hershey, i was truthfull with the polygrapher and told him all my info.
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Post by Charlie on Jul 8, 2003 20:51:31 GMT -5
Lava-- Your news sounds promising but remember you still have a few hurtles to over come.  i.e.: Don't count your chickens before they hatch or, It ain't over til' the fat lady sings! Again, not trying to rain on your parade but I have heard the PSP has the luxury of having plenty of applicants and can be very selective. Nevertherless, sounds like you are progressing well through the process. Hang in there and see what happens.....And also be mindful of my previous post as well. Good luck. -- Charlie |
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that does alot to give me a confidence boost going into the next stages of testing. I plan on being 100 percent honest with them and give them all the info they need. 
If true, this typically leads to some fierce competition to land a slot in the academy.
i.e.: Don't count your chickens before they hatch or, It ain't over til' the fat lady sings!