I'm currently in the process of applying at my local sheriff's office.  I'm tremendously excited because I've been waiting to apply for a long time now, but I'm also a bit concerned because of some past history of mine.

I have a perfectly clean criminal record.  I don't even have a traffic citation and I've never been pulled over for anything.  I've never used drugs, never touched them, and I've followed the law to the best of my ability.  Now, regardless of how good my ability is, I did have two screw ups which I'm afraid may land me in some hot water with the department.

My pre-employment questionaire contains two separate questions which are of some concern to me.  The first regards if I have ever committed the crime of bestiality.  This is extremely embarrassing, but around the age of 15 or 16 (I do not exactly remember how old I was), I heard of the old "peanut butter" trick with a dog.  I was curious and I tried it once and have deeply regretted it ever since.  I've never tried it again and I've felt very ashamed of myself for even letting such a thing happen to me.  I feel like I am obligated to check this box "yes" and then proceed to explain the situation to the examiner when I go to take my polygraph test.  I'm concerned, however, because bestiality in Georgia carries a felony charge and up to five years in prison!    I was unaware of the law at the time and I was a minor, but I'm concerned that if I confess this during my examination they'll slam me in cuffs and lead me away.  Any advice would be appreciated.

The other issue concerns incest.  When my sister and I were  both kids (I believe I was 15 and she was 11 or 12),there was some inappropriate touching that took place twice during a vacation, however there was no sexual intercourse and we never did anything like that again.  It was a foolish and stupid moment of exploration which I have also come to deeply regret.  According to Florida law, incest is classified as sexual intercourse involving penetration.  I'm wondering, therefore, if I should leave that question checked as "no" under the technicality of the law.  I was also wondering if I should still notify the examiner of the event or if I should just keep my mouth shut considering the fact that I didn't commit an actual crime.  

My main concern is being DQ'd for these incidents.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  I was so excited for this job and now I'm afraid that two mistakes in my past may end any future career in LE that I would seek to pursue.  Please understand that I do not think any of these things are right, they were very wrong and disgusting and I hate myself for the fact that I let it happen.

Age 15 you had sexual touching with a sibling age 11 or 12, that is called sexual abuse.  You did not engage in Incest, you may have committed a class 4 felony because of the age of your sister.  Peanut butter and a dog is troubling, most departments take into consideration your age and the number of times this occurred.  Unlike stefano, I advocate telling the truth and accepting consequences for bad acts.  Just one persons opinion

Bill_Brown wrote on Jul 21^st, 2012 at 5:34pm:

Bill, If others shared your altruism, I'd agree with you. However, from my vantage, there are too many scorpions under the rocks. These guys have no choice but to cover their own butts.

GeorgiaRedClay, 

The State of Georgia "presses charges", not your sister.  With a 4 year age difference they could take you away in handcuffs, don't think they would but is something to consider.  Congratulations on your virginity.  Not many 20 year olds can boast about that, you should be proud.  We all have moments of weakness in our lives, you have had yours.  Thankfully you have moved on.  Good luck in your quest and do hope things turn out well for you.