Trying to become a LEO

[Hayes]

I am moving back to Colorado after the first of the year, at which point I will begin the application process. I have a couple questions. 1. I have a poor driving record, how much will this affect my qualifications? 2. I have asthma, will this automatically DQ me?


My driving record contains a few speeding tickets (4-5), all were more than 3 years ago with the exception of 1 in May. The big thing that I am worried about is an accident that I had in December of 05. It was bad and I was taken to the local jail for an overnighter. There was no alcohol or drugs, just a dumbass kid driving like an idiot:::finger pointing to self:::. When I went to court the ticket was dropped from a whole bunch of violations to a careless driving. I did a ride along with the Colorado State Patrol and, while they could see that I was arrested, they did not know why. I know that I will most likely be asked about it during the poly, and I will not lie about it. I have never been in trouble with the law other than my driving record. After the accident I have completely changed my driving habits.


The asthma is under control when I am in shape (currently I am not). I am going to start working out again. When I am working out, running and eating properly I don't have any problems with my asthma. I was cleared by my doctor a couple years ago with 95% lung function. Basically I don't have asthma anymore. Will this be enough to clear me for duty?

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my questions, and any Colorado LEO information would be appreciated.

-Hayes

[AMKL68]

I am moving back to Colorado after the first of the year, at which point I will begin the application process. I have a couple questions. 1. I have a poor driving record, how much will this affect my qualifications? 2. I have asthma, will this automatically DQ me?


My driving record contains a few speeding tickets (4-5), all were more than 3 years ago with the exception of 1 in May. The big thing that I am worried about is an accident that I had in December of 05. It was bad and I was taken to the local jail for an overnighter. There was no alcohol or drugs, just a dumbass kid driving like an idiot:::finger pointing to self:::. When I went to court the ticket was dropped from a whole bunch of violations to a careless driving. I did a ride along with the Colorado State Patrol and, while they could see that I was arrested, they did not know why. I know that I will most likely be asked about it during the poly, and I will not lie about it. I have never been in trouble with the law other than my driving record. After the accident I have completely changed my driving habits.


The asthma is under control when I am in shape (currently I am not). I am going to start working out again. When I am working out, running and eating properly I don't have any problems with my asthma. I was cleared by my doctor a couple years ago with 95% lung function. Basically I don't have asthma anymore. Will this be enough to clear me for duty?

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my questions, and any Colorado LEO information would be appreciated.

-Hayes


Asthma is not automatic DQ from LE. I have had asthma my entire life and still manage to keep it under control with mediciation (singular pills & also have always two inhalers one in patrol car and one on me nonstop). As long as you have it under control there shouldn't be no problem. They will have you go to their Dr and do medical etc. As for driving wellllllll thats different story. My dept will DQ you if you have 4+ tickets with 20 mph+ (over limit). As for reckless driving here they would be DEBATING it heavily over it pending upon other applicants. Also they would get reports from agency to see what exactly was reason for arrest etc. As for Colorado State Patrol NOT knowing why you were arrested, uh once they did little background check on you, it showed the details.
If it was me, I would put two more years of distance between arrest and prove you have got over the teenage era of driving. But thats just me..Good luck.

[Hayes]

They did the background check and it didn't come up with a reason for my arrest. My only incident within 2 years was a speeding ticket. The accident is almost 2.5 years ago. Hopefully, I can convince the board that I have changed my ways. Guess I'll have to apply. Either that or I will be joining the military as an MP to up my quals.

[PhilipCal]

The Asthma may, or may not be a DQ depending on agency standards. The Driving History could very well be a problem,if in the department's view, a pattern of disregard/disrespect for the law is indicated. Habitual Traffic Offender/Violator (DL Suspensions) status often indicates this. Your key here, will be to put as much time as possible, usually three to five years, between your last violation, and your application. Regarding enlistment in the Armed Forces, by all means, look into it, but your past Asthma, may be a problem.