How MUCH more desireable?

[lsmalibu]

I'm applying with my local PD and some other area agencies here in Northern California, and I'm also thinking of sponsoring myself through the local academy. I have some issues in my background (credit, GPA, some post-trauma counseling/anti-depressants, etc) but no drug use, criminal record, etc.

In addition to being able to apply to agencies that aren't hiring entry-level, will putting myself through the academy make up for my issues and make me a viable candidate?

[L-1]

It all depends. Usually, agencies have certain specific disqualifiers. If your situation meets one of those disqualifying criteria, having put yourself through an academy won't mean much.

The problem here is that disqualifiers vary from agency to agency, so without knowing the specifics of your situation and the standards of the agency you are interested in, its impossible to give you an answer.

There is another way to pursue this. Many smaller law enforcement agencies in California contract with private investigation firms to do background checks on their applicants. Usually these firms are comprised of retired cops who did backgrounds for years and know the ins and outs of the system. Some of these firms offer a unique service to potential applicants who have worries about their backgrounds. For a fee, the firm will do a private background and identify for you, anything that has the potential to disqualify you. They will not help you to cover up disqualifying conduct or circumvent not being of good character. However, if your background is really bad, this will give you a heads up not to pursue law enforcement any further. In addition, if there are genuine misunderstandings in your past that could be harmful, this will give you an opportunity to gather what information is necessary to clear them up for a real background investigation.

These firms usually post fliers advertising their services at local colleges that host police academies.

[lsmalibu]

Of all the places I've applied, I've met the MINIMUM requirements, of course.

Then some agencies list possible disqualifiers as

- Drug use
- Driving record
- Financial history
- Employment history

The only thing of those that would worry me is my financial history.

I've made an appointment to see my local PD's recruiter to ask him the same question.

I know they need more cops out here (only 2 officers and 1 Sgt were on duty last night in a high-crime city of 70,000) and I know I'd be a good officer, too.