quesions from a wannabe cop

[dococ]

This website is a gift from god.

I am a twenty-year-old white male from NY. I have been searching with great distress for a path in life for the past two years and finally, I came to the conclusion that I want very much to be a police officer. This is not some vague ambition. For the first time in a long time I am excited and inspired. I do have some questions...

 I understand I will have to submit to a polygraph test. I have smoked pot about six times in my life, the last being three years ago. I have never done any other drugs. I have been drunk about 9 or ten times, and have also driven under the influence twice. I have recently been to court for driving on a suspended license, which resulted from an unpaid traffic violation. Also (prepare to laugh) for a while when I was about fifteen, me and my older sister often went to the suburbs and stole the various Virgin Mary statues that adorned their well manicured streets...I guess it as some type of pathetic class disdain. Really stupid.
My question is: given this information, is it possible I would be rejected??? Should I expect to have these issues brought up ??

Also, being twenty, I can technically apply. I am wondering if I should get some criminal justice courses under my belt...would this help my chances??

Any additional advice from any police officers here would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

[Sergeant1107]

Dococ,
While anything is possible regarding your employment, I think you would be well served to get a little life experience while keeping your nose clean.  If you were to join the military for a few years, or get a respectable job while going to college part-time, and all the while you refrained from any more drug use, binge drinking, DUI's, and larcenies, you would likely have a better shot at employment then you do now.

Good luck.

[Deputydog]

Dococ,
You should probably get some time under your belt before going for it. Going back to school and getting the classes is a good idea. Military is very desireable and you can try for MP while your there. Your still a little young and most agencies prefer the mid 20's so that gives you 4 to 5 years to get yourself right. It'll be worth the wait.
Other than that, Sergeant hit it right on the head

[hwsternfan]

Doc deny everything.  Never admit...stay strong and read the Lie behind the lie detector!

[dimas]

dococ,

First off, you are very young at the moment and have plenty of time to start a career in LE.  Looking back when I was your age I was still quite "retarded" and nowhere near ready to begin my LE career.  I was lucky in that I didn't make stupid mistakes that could have cost me my career, but I really was no where near mature enough or experienced enough for the job.

While I wouldn't run off and join the military police at this time (mainly because you will more than likely end up in Iraq), I highly recommend that you enroll in some CJ classes and look into the career and all aspects of it.

Law Enforcement is NOTHING like TV or movies.  It is very frustrating, LOTS of paperwork and LONG hours.
You either have it in you to do this job or you don't.

Second, you need to let some time pass since your license was suspended.  Agencies are looking for people with a history of being responsible and mature.  Quite frankly it doesn't appear to be the case with you at this time.  

Good luck