hiring question and suggestions

[jscherac]

I'm sure a lot of you on here have seen many of these before, but I am looking for some advice on my current situation. I'm graduating in Dec. with my bachelor's in criminal justice and I am looking to get into law enforcement. I have a fairly decent employment record, good references, and many professional recommendations. Although, I do have a few arrests for underage comsumption and a public intox. The underage consumption ( 2 arrests) one was dismissed and the other was dismissed and exponged as part of a diversion program. With the public intox, I was rather intoxicated and gave the officer a hard time, or at least thats that the police report stated. I was wondering how much these will hurt me in the application process. If anyone out there has any experience with recruitment and the hiring process your input would be very helpful. Thanks

[just joe]

It would certainly weigh against you any dept.'s decision to hire you. Why should they hire you to enforce the law when you can't stay out of trouble yourself? Do you have a substance abuse problem? If so, get some help now. High test scores, good interviews and and an acknowledgement of past mistakes may help mitigate your history, but it depends on the dept. Lay off the booze for awhile or forever.

[theheights109]

how long ago and how old you were these incidents? that does make a difference. i had one citation for underage alcohol when i was in high school. i have been through several BI's and it never hurt me.....i was offered a job each time. the only thing you can really do is apply and see what happens. don't try and BS you way through it........just be honest about what happened. if they don't like it, you will know sooner or later.

[shaund44]

I have been through two processes, they will question you about this to make sure that you tell them everything but probably will not make or break you. The degree is huge, hopefully you have no other red flags or they will definetly look more into those incidents. good luck be honest and confident with them.