Quick question about becoming leo?

[primetime]

I had a DUI a couple years back and i want to become a LEO. Im am in san jose and im not sure if i can even become one. The DUI happened when i was 20 years old and im currently 24. Any advice or answers are accepted and thanks in advance.

[biochembruin]

It depends on the department, but it's generally not an automatic disqualification. Expect to be questioned about the incident during your interview. They'll be looking to see how much time has passed since the arrest, if you've had issues with the law since then, and frankly, if you've grown up and learned from your mistake so it won't be an issue in the future.

[cacop]

We have a guy that was arrested by our PD for DUI that was later hired by us. He was 19 for the DUI and 24 when hired. It helped that he was cooperative, paid his fines, and admitted responsibility.

It might make it tough to get hired right now with 100+ SJPD guys getting laid off with more maybe to come but it will only be tight for a yar or two. My PD of 95 or so burns through 6 people a year on average. With a dozen similar size PDs around you it won't tke long for natrual attrition to take it's course.

[Roddd]

Apply and find out. If you've been in strict compliance with the court's ruling, it won't hurt you TOO bad. Be honest with your background investigator and let him know how much you've learned from the experience. The key is to sell it as life experience.

[SJSU Rugger]

This is pretty interesting because I am also in San Jose and was also 20 when I got my DUI (to wet/reckless) and am now 24 trying to become a police officer. I'm enrolled in the police academy at Evergreen which begins in June. I recently got my charges expunged by the court so you may want to try that route so it wont affect you as much if you've paid your fines and haven't gotten into ANY trouble since then.

We'll see how this goes for me too... hopefully a dept picks me up while I'm still in the academy!!!

[Falconis]

Think we should get this question stickied? Or would it matter?

[RollingCode3]

In this economy, your chance is very slim (with a DUI less than 4 years ago). I am not trying to put you down or anything. Why should they hire you over another guy with a clean record?

[ckim34]

Think we should get this question stickied? Or would it matter?

yes we should, its been asked and answered so many times.