Statutory Rape???

[Anonymous]

I wanted your opinion on this. I am intending to apply for the lapd i grew up in a foriegn country and just recently obtained citizenship. I was 19 when my 15 year old girlfriend got pregnant and we got married. In my country it would not be against the law till i was 20. how will the BI look on this here in the US. there is now way I can cover it as we have a child to gether and are still married. please advise if i have a chance . Thanks

[anonymous]

Actually come to think of it i was 18!

[G.W.]

My assumption would be that you are in the clear because you broke no U.S. Law.

But does anyone have any knowledge of how law enforcement agencies regard a candidate who, when 18 years old had, sex with a 17 year old? Legally this would be statutory rape, but it is extremely common.

[dimas]

     Background investigators are human, and with that you are subject to a vast amount of different personalities and opinions.  It actually is very dependant upon the BI'S report and how that investigator goes about rationalizing what occured.  For the most part I can tell you that you really shouldn't worry as the most important thing is being completely honest about everything, I say this because lying to the investigator over any one thing is likely to greatly change their perception of you.  If you are 100% honest I really see nothing for you to worry about.  Explain the circumstances to the investigator.

Good Luck

[anonI5]

18 yo w/ 17 yo, be honest with that one, they won't even care unless they have a screw loose.  my bgi just giggled because on my bg sheet i answered positive to having sex w/ a minor and when asked about it i told him the truth and it made me look excessively honest.  to the guy from the foreign country, i wouldn't worry about it, since it is apparently the custom in your country and you married her on top of that i wouldn't even mention it but if you feel you must or feel you will feel guilty about it which you shouldn't i would just say it matter of factly and show no guilt in your face.

[Fair Chance]

    Background investigators are human, and with that you are subject to a vast amount of different personalities and opinions.  It actually is very dependant upon the BI'S report and how that investigator goes about rationalizing what occured.  For the most part I can tell you that you really shouldn't worry as the most important thing is being completely honest about everything, I say this because lying to the investigator over any one thing is likely to greatly change their perception of you.  If you are 100% honest I really see nothing for you to worry about.  Explain the circumstances to the investigator.

Good Luck

Dear Anonymous,

dimas is very astute on this one.  Your only problem will be, if you are telling the truth,any personal bias of the background investigator.  In the big scheme of law enforcement, your actions are not anywhere near as bad as what you will face in real life during your shift(abandoned children, parents in hotels who do not bath, feed, or care for their children, spouse beating, etc., etc.).