Hello all,

I'm currently a college student who should be finishing his degree by the end of the coming academic year. The degree will be in chemistry. I decided a while ago that law enforcement was a career that I was interested in, and after doing some research on minimum requirements I fit most of them. I've never done drugs and have never been convicted of a crime beyond a speeding ticket. There are only 3 issues that I am worried about, and am wondering if I am pretty much out of the running for a law enforcement career, or if I still have a chance.

1) I have downloaded music and games illegally in the past. I haven't done so in about a year and won't in the future. By the time I apply it will have been 3 years. Most of the material was downloaded when I was in high school, 5-6 years ago. Is this going to be a significant factor?

2) I've been into target shooting since I was young, and after I turned 21 I was given a handgun as a gift. Before I managed to get my concealed handgun license (that I now have), I carried my weapon a couple of times (illegally) concealed when a rash of crimes occured where I lived at the time. I was never caught doing this, but I would probably be deceitful if I didn't mention this. This is what I am most concerned about, it was purely for self defense, but it was still illegal. It was poor judgement and I now carry legally, but I fear this will preclude me from being able to become a LEO.

3) My understanding is that one question asked on the polygraph is that if I had ever researched the topic. I've never specifically searched for counter-measures as I have no intention of lying on the test, but before I ever considered a career in LE, I have done research on it in the past due to curiosity. I fear that if I am to answer this truthfully, that I will be suspected of trying to "cheat" the system. 

Number 2 is the one I am most concerned about. Aside from these 3 things, I have lived a very clean life with no other skeletons to speak of in my closet. Do I have a chance? 

PS: I am in the state of Oregon but will probably apply out of state as well to multiple departments in addition to in state ones.

Get the skeletons out early as to not waste anyones time.

As much of a hard**s as I am, I think you should be fine. Your "transgressions" are minor in my opinion.Like others said, get them out of the way as soon as possible.

Your honesty will lead you in the direction you want to go. Never give up and keep trying...

 Thank you all for your responses. 

After mulling over the issue a bit, I've noticed something that I think may be the killer. For issue number 2, my home was very close to a school. Now that I think about it, it's possible / likely that I entered the school zone, thus violating GFSZ of 1990. This is much more serious than I expected. 

By the time I apply, this will have taken place about 3 years prior. My guess is that it will be a disqualifier. 

Would going to graduate school to get my masters and distance myself more from the even be helpful? Should I just forget a career in LE altogether? 

My heart was in the right place, but sadly I fear that this won't slide. Talk about poor judgement!

In addition, would charges be placed on me for this if I were to apply?

4g38501 says ...

Hello all,

I'm currently a college student who should be finishing his degree by the end of the coming academic year. The degree will be in chemistry. I decided a while ago that law enforcement was a career that I was interested in, and after doing some research on minimum requirements I fit most of them. I've never done drugs and have never been convicted of a crime beyond a speeding ticket. There are only 3 issues that I am worried about, and am wondering if I am pretty much out of the running for a law enforcement career, or if I still have a chance.

1) I have downloaded music and games illegally in the past. I haven't done so in about a year and won't in the future. By the time I apply it will have been 3 years. Most of the material was downloaded when I was in high school, 5-6 years ago. Is this going to be a significant factor?

2) I've been into target shooting since I was young, and after I turned 21 I was given a handgun as a gift. Before I managed to get my concealed handgun license (that I now have), I carried my weapon a couple of times (illegally) concealed when a rash of crimes occured where I lived at the time. I was never caught doing this, but I would probably be deceitful if I didn't mention this. This is what I am most concerned about, it was purely for self defense, but it was still illegal. It was poor judgement and I now carry legally, but I fear this will preclude me from being able to become a LEO.

3) My understanding is that one question asked on the polygraph is that if I had ever researched the topic. I've never specifically searched for counter-measures as I have no intention of lying on the test, but before I ever considered a career in LE, I have done research on it in the past due to curiosity. I fear that if I am to answer this truthfully, that I will be suspected of trying to "cheat" the system. 

Number 2 is the one I am most concerned about. Aside from these 3 things, I have lived a very clean life with no other skeletons to speak of in my closet. Do I have a chance? 

PS: I am in the state of Oregon but will probably apply out of state as well to multiple departments in addition to in state ones.

You are overthinking your situation. If everything you are saying is true and that is all that is in your background you are fine. Be upfront and honest about your past and things will work out. Good luck.

ajsdaddyCCSO says ...

4g38501 says ...

Hello all,

I'm currently a college student who should be finishing his degree by the end of the coming academic year. The degree will be in chemistry. I decided a while ago that law enforcement was a career that I was interested in, and after doing some research on minimum requirements I fit most of them. I've never done drugs and have never been convicted of a crime beyond a speeding ticket. There are only 3 issues that I am worried about, and am wondering if I am pretty much out of the running for a law enforcement career, or if I still have a chance.

1) I have downloaded music and games illegally in the past. I haven't done so in about a year and won't in the future. By the time I apply it will have been 3 years. Most of the material was downloaded when I was in high school, 5-6 years ago. Is this going to be a significant factor?

2) I've been into target shooting since I was young, and after I turned 21 I was given a handgun as a gift. Before I managed to get my concealed handgun license (that I now have), I carried my weapon a couple of times (illegally) concealed when a rash of crimes occured where I lived at the time. I was never caught doing this, but I would probably be deceitful if I didn't mention this. This is what I am most concerned about, it was purely for self defense, but it was still illegal. It was poor judgement and I now carry legally, but I fear this will preclude me from being able to become a LEO.

3) My understanding is that one question asked on the polygraph is that if I had ever researched the topic. I've never specifically searched for counter-measures as I have no intention of lying on the test, but before I ever considered a career in LE, I have done research on it in the past due to curiosity. I fear that if I am to answer this truthfully, that I will be suspected of trying to "cheat" the system. 

Number 2 is the one I am most concerned about. Aside from these 3 things, I have lived a very clean life with no other skeletons to speak of in my closet. Do I have a chance? 

PS: I am in the state of Oregon but will probably apply out of state as well to multiple departments in addition to in state ones.

You are overthinking your situation. If everything you are saying is true and that is all that is in your background you are fine. Be upfront and honest about your past and things will work out. Good luck.

Bump, relax and tell it like it is! You will be fine!

Have to agree. Relax. Tell it  like it is, you never entered school grounds or had any intention to.

schultzy04 says ...

Forgive me if I am wrong, but it seems like you are looking for a reason not to get hired before the process starts. Focus on why the department SHOULD hire you. People have done much worse and been hired. There is no such thing as a perfect applicant, and departments do not expect that. You have never really been in trouble with the law. The issue with the gun is not an issue. I would pass it off as trying to protect yourself, and focus on you going and getting a concealed carry permit. Your need to make yourself marketable and focus on what you have to give to the department. Do not go in there and only tell them the reasons they shouldn't hire you. If you did that to a hiring committee I was on, I would take your advice and not hire you. I want people with confidence who recognize what they have to offer my department. I see a lot of good in you. Give yourself some credit.

My thoughts exactly. If you are looking for an "out," just man up and say so. Otherwise get rid of the negativity and take the advice being offered.

Either way, best of luck...