I want to be a cop, but can I?

[falcon22]

Hi, I'm 21 years old and I want to become a cop. I've made plans to join the Police Academy in a few months, but recently I was charged with a DUI over the 0.08% California legal limit. My question is... how good are my chances of getting hired with this DUI on my record? I've always wanted to be apart of the LAPD and now I'm a little worried that I wont be able to.

Would I have a better chance of achieving this goal by enlisting in the military for a few years? How about a college degree? I'll do whatever it takes... Any feedback/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

- David

[miked6]

Hi, I'm 21 years old and I want to become a cop. I've made plans to join the Police Academy in a few months, but recently I was charged with a DUI over the 0.08% California legal limit. My question is... how good are my chances of getting hired with this DUI on my record? I've always wanted to be apart of the LAPD and now I'm a little worried that I wont be able to.

Would I have a better chance of achieving this goal by enlisting in the military for a few years? How about a college degree? I'll do whatever it takes... Any feedback/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

- David

Not many departments straight up DQ DUI's anymore. With that being said, you will likely need to put a few years between the disposition of your case and your application date, probably 3-5 years. You will also need to secure a progressively responsible position and hold it down for a few years. The military and college would be good routes, but policing is not in your immediate future.

[rix031]

Hi, I'm 21 years old and I want to become a cop. I've made plans to join the Police Academy in a few months, but recently I was charged with a DUI over the 0.08% California legal limit. My question is... how good are my chances of getting hired with this DUI on my record? I've always wanted to be apart of the LAPD and now I'm a little worried that I wont be able to.

Would I have a better chance of achieving this goal by enlisting in the military for a few years? How about a college degree? I'll do whatever it takes... Any feedback/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

- David

you may want to consider the military and/or college because there really isnt anything else you can do for the next 3-5 years that will help your cause. at least in college you can earn a degree, which you will need in the future. the military will also help in many ways that i am not list here, but it will go a long ways for you in your pursuit of a law enf. job. you might even be able to be a law enforcement officer while you do your tour of duty i.e. in the coast guard.

other than that, you pretty much have shot yourself in the foot for a couple of years.

[ask80]

like everyone said you won't get hired right now. good 3-5 years. i'll advise going the college route and get a bachelors. try volunteering too. which academy did you plan on going to? i assume self sponsored? i wouldn't even bother doing that since no one will hire you with a recent DUI. if you want LAPD wait a while and apply since you have to go to their own academy. and better stay clean from now on. i'm talkin about a spotless record. and i sure hope you learned from your DUI experience.

[falcon22]

U.S Army here I come! Well, thanks for all the feedback.. be safe!

- David

[gbotj]

I recommend joing the coast guard, you can join their law enforcement teams, and get certified and perform marine law enforcement. Good experience and will look good. Get a college degree, and after a stint in the military get a good job (not just a job to pay the bills but a respectable career) They want to see a professional person, not a reckless kid. But in 3-5 years you will most likely get on with LAPD. Just dont stop with them, take apply to every department under the sun and one is bound to hire you.

[JRODF4]

Hi, I'm 21 years old and I want to become a cop. I've made plans to join the Police Academy in a few months, but recently I was charged with a DUI over the 0.08% California legal limit. My question is... how good are my chances of getting hired with this DUI on my record? I've always wanted to be apart of the LAPD and now I'm a little worried that I wont be able to.

Would I have a better chance of achieving this goal by enlisting in the military for a few years? How about a college degree? I'll do whatever it takes... Any feedback/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

- David

7 years until it clears your record then it should be no problem. Schooling and/military is always good when you apply for LE.

DUI big no no in LE.

[rix031]

again, try the coast guard. i know a guy who received a d.u.i. while in the guard and was still able to keep his leo status.