There are some misconceptions about what is in an applicants’ past that can disqualify them. It goes both ways. I mean, some people think they have done things in their past that would prevent them from getting hired, when in fact, they are pretty average. Then, on the other hand, some people never will get hired in law enforcement because of their past and think they are good to go. Law Enforcement agencies do not expect to hire perfect people. I hate to say it, but squeaky-clean people tend not to be able to handle the job. Some can’t understand or comprehend what people do to other people and why those people can’t do the right thing. I have seen a high washout rate for that type of candidate. Cops are human (well, most of them).
You probably want some samples of stuff I’m talking about. Let’s see, when in high school doing some shoplifting of booze from a grocery store or going on midnight mail bashing adventure. Those likely are not going to be a problem. It depends on how much of it happened and how long ago it was. The use of drugs is another concern. It too depends on how much activity and how long ago, and on the particular agency’s policy.
Note: Some agencies make their drug policy public; some don’t declare it. There are two trains of thought there. First, if its’ public, it is assumed those who don’t meet the criteria “need not apply.” Second, the other agencies don’t make it public policy as the theory is those that do apply are likely to be more candid about it and not play games.
Generally, most agencies will not disqualify you for some earlier in life drug experimentation. The exception is if you’ve ever used injectable drugs, you will usually not be considered. The use of non-prescribed injectable steroids is not necessarily a disqualifier. It also depends on how much, and how long ago, and your age. Do you want examples? OK…if you were in college and partied a few times snorting coke or taking some ecstasy, it is likely not a problem depending on your age and how long ago it was. This was not the case a few years ago. Say you were 20 years old was the last time you used those drugs, and you’re now 26. You’re probably OK. Let’s change the ages. If you last used drugs when you were 32, and you are now 38, you may have a problem getting hired. It’s the same amount of years, but you are expected not to be a stupid kid at 32 and are likely still an idiot.
I need to emphasize that if you think this may disqualify you and you want to try to get hired anyway, you need to be honest about it. You may have a chance that way. If you ever are untruthful about anything, you will not get hired by that agency. Not only will you not get hired by the agency you applied to, but you also will NEVER get hired by any agency because when you have a lack of integrity, you are no use as a cop…you lying sack of shit.
Some people will never get hired in law enforcement. They think they can because of their perception of the world. They believe that because of their life experiences, everyone does or has done the things they have done. It is a skewed perception. I have had those types of applicants raised by shit-head parents, have gone to jail multiple times, and have done all kinds of illegal activity. But they see themselves as not being bad because, hell, many of their friends and family have gone to prison, whereas they have only served some jail time. It’s interesting the contrasts in extreme candidates I have seen.
On the one hand, I had a candidate who had pretty much lead a clean life, think she may not be hirable because she shoplifted a pack of gum when she was 12 years old. Then, on the other hand, I had an applicant who forcibly raped his sister and didn’t think that would bar him from being hired.
The bottom line is to have everything up front early in the process. That way, you know if you’re wasting yours, or that agency’s, time or not. Oh, a common question is about being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. It would not bar you from being hired if you completed probation. But, if you got arrested more than once for DUI, it will likely be a problem.
Just about any crime of moral turpitude will bar you from LE employment. Thefts from employers, child molest, major thefts, conspiracy, violence against a family member or significant other, etc. Regarding thefts from employers, I am not referring to taking a pack of post-it notes home…depending on how much of that stuff you did.
POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) is the California State entity that regulates the hiring standards and training of Peace Officers and Dispatchers. They have a list of Job Dimensions that cover this and other aspects of a candidate’s qualifications. I will discuss that in a future post.
There are so many other considerations like how your grades were in high school and college, how well you get a long with people, your job history and work ethic, and the list goes on.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in a comment or ask for me to email you to keep it confidential.
Scattered Thought 