Nunyun,
Sorry, but I think you are way too bleak.
Quote: You cannot speak for all agencies.
You are correct. No I cannot speak for all agencies, only the ones of which I have knowledge.
Quote: His having friends that smoke dope is a direct reflection on his charracter and the friends he hangs out with.
This is not a reflection of his character by any means. Do you have the ability to control the behaviors of your friends? Doubtful at best. Sure, you can reply that you would not allow yourself to have friends whose behaviors are questionable. But you do not know what goes on when you are not present? Again, doubtful at best. A background and hiring are based on the actions and behaviors of the applicant. If your agency hires based on the associates of the candidate, it deserves to be served with litigation. Litigation which it would definately lose.
Quote: Item 2. the fact that he has admitted to DWI 12 times and he is only 20 years old is a big problem. Not only has he comitted multiple misdemeanors, which if caught all those times would have been a felony for being habitual. He was only 20 which means he was underage. This shows a lack of maturity.
Underage and immaturity go hand in hand. He admits DUI while in high school. That is the reason there are juvenile laws versus adult laws (immaturity). In most parts of the country graduates are 18 maximum. It has been two years since he has committed this act. Also, most departments (maybe not this one) require that applicants be 21 prior to completion of the academy. That would make 3 years since the act. No acts committed in this time show growth in maturity and a respect for the law. He may not make it at this time but it is not a lifetime ban.
Quote: Again this is why many large departments including mine hire those of an average age of 28 since it takes a while to grow up.
Quite possibly your department is in violation of federal labor laws based on discriminatory practices related to age.
Quote: sorry I could not sugar coat it for you wannabe but you may have to wait a while
No sugar coating is necessary. However, your bleak outlook is not helpful. Children make mistakes. That is a fact. They should not be punished for a lifetime for youthful indiscretions. If he has to wait a while longer though, that is understandable.