help

[lorddivid1]

I applied for LAPD last year..I was completely honest on my backround sheet.

I was a little too honest digging as far as I can go.

I've smoked marijuana no more than 10 times..but I couldn't remember all of the circumstances.

I've attempted at trying cocaine..but I was too nervous and I don't think I did it...thank god.

And fights..I've been in a few school yard tussles..as a kid/pre teen.

They sent me a letter saying I wasn't ready pretty much.

Law enforcement is what I want to do..I can see myself doing it for the rest of my life.

What can I do??

I just turned 24 btw.

[BoJackUSMC]

I think its all depends on agencies.... I have never done drugs in my life, not even once so I am not too sure, but I met a deputy from Riverside Sheriff Department. He told them he used to smoke pot when he was in a high school, but he quit after graduating from high school. However, that was long time ago, like back in early 1990 so I am not sure about now. But he still works for Riverside Sheriff Department and he just got promoted not that long ago after getting his BA degree.

[FLIGHT762]

Keep trying. I flubbed up on a couple of oral boards before getting it right. Just tell the truth.

[ckim34]

I smoked weed in high school no more than 10 times also and never did any other drugs. I got into a few fights in my teens also. So it seems like at least that portion of our backgrounds are similar.

I was hired at 22, which was a few years ago. It all depends on the agency, just keep trying.

[lorddivid1]

I applied for gardena pd..el segundo and L.A

Its become competitive and I don't have any degrees..and not a squeaky clean record.

I was thinking about putting my self through the academy and applying as a reserve.

Giving my situation..what would be your guy's opinion in a agency that would accept me

I'm native to the south bay area of los angeles.

I'm just tired of my dead end job and wat to do something I know I'll love

[ckim34]

Putting yourself through and applying as a reserve is a great way to get your foot in the door. When the economy picks back up and agencies start hiring again, the experience you gained as a reserve will be a good asset for you.

[Zorrm]

I have it on good authority that LAPD really likes to see people with a military background.

[lorddivid1]

Yea^^ that's last resort..I have a 5month old..I don't think I can stand being away for long periods of time.

Although I wish I was a cop..I've talked to other officers who would never even think about working with lapd.

[Samuelx]

I applied for LAPD last year..I was completely honest on my backround sheet.

I was a little too honest digging as far as I can go.

I've smoked marijuana no more than 10 times..but I couldn't remember all of the circumstances.

I've attempted at trying cocaine..but I was too nervous and I don't think I did it...thank god.
And fights..I've been in a few school yard tussles..as a kid/pre teen.

They sent me a letter saying I wasn't ready pretty much.

Law enforcement is what I want to do..I can see myself doing it for the rest of my life.

What can I do??
I just turned 24 btw.

You can keep your fingers crossed but I wouldn't hold your breath...

[CALREB]

Right now hiring at most agencies is pretty slow, If you try smaller agencies your going to be competing against persons with experience for fewer spots so without something special in your qualifications ( college degree/military etc) your probably out of luck. The bigger agencies LAPD/LASO the like are really not hiring many at this time,and have a large applicant pool so the same applies. Best thing would be to get some schooling not necessarily Academy training,or go the Reserve route if you can pass background,or some other L/E related job , communications, jailer, tech job and then keep applying.I'm just being honest to you but answers like"I dont think so" arent going to get you very far,remember your going to get polygraphed most everywhere these days, so think about what you are saying.Good Luck

[socalblue]

The requirements for reserve are essentially the same as for full time, except that everything is pass/fail rather than ranked for a hiring list. Some of the smaller agencies MAY be willing to overlook a minor issue or two - worth a try.

Get a commitment before putting yourself through an academy. No reason to spend the $$ until you know it will be for a good reason.

[E Pluribus Unum]

You could always work for animal control; it's almost the same thing... just ask them.

[Ron-Solo]

Do the military thing and show a good record while in the service. When done, and you get hired, most agencies will allow you to "buy back" up to 4 years of military time toward your retirement.

Having a 5 month old will make it harder, think long term about what will be best for your family over the next 20-25 years. A solid LE career will allow you to take care of them as they deserve. Many military families make it work. My niece's husband is currently in the Air Force. They have an 18 month old daughter and another on the way. he is growning up in the military and should be ready for a LE career when he gets out.

Right now, most agencies are not hiring unless absolutely necessary due to the economy. LASD, the largest Sheriff's Department in the nation usually averages 300-350 vacancies at any given time. Right now, we are over 600, and they plan on going to 900-1000 by the end of the year. Three years ago, we would have 3 academy classes going at any given time, with 120 recruits per class. Now, we are only running 1 class at a time, and the last class graduated 26.

Times are tough right now, and you will be competing with returning veterans and officers who have been laid off by other agencies due to budget cuts.

Best of luck

[lorddivid1]

Thanks for the feed back everyone.

I have a border patrol test on the 23rd..but that's not where my heart is.

Perhaps I may consider the air force reserves or navy reserves.

What is the plus side to putting yourself through the academy with no promiss of even a reserve spot?? Are their any??

[Falconis]

Smaller agencies are willing to hire you since they don't have to put up the training costs. Not a guarantee though.