Will My Juvenile Record Continue Affect Chances of Becoming a Police Officer

[13babul13]

My question involves a background check in the State of: California

Hi,
When I was in high school, I was caught with a metal brass knuckle concealed in a shoe. I was also associated to a gang. I got a year of probation and successfully completed it. Soon after completing my probation, I enrolled in college.

Duriing college, approximately 2-3 years after my crime, I was in the hiring process for the border patrol. I had already passed the written test, physical, and oral interview. However, when it came time for my background investigation, I was not able to continue in the hiring process.

Now approximately 7 years after that incident, I continue to pursue my wish of becoming a law enforcement officer. I am in the hiring process for various governmental law enforcement positions, however, I fear that my criminal record will continue to affect my chances despite my efforts.

The only thing I have in the criminal record in the incident in high school and a speeding ticket in my record. I have 2 other tickets that don't appeared either because I paid them or got dimissed.

I am almost 24; the criminal incident happened when I was barely 17. I have a bachelors degree in criminology with a GPA of 3.78 and a commulative GPA of 3.35.

Any advice? What are my chances?

I have a background interview with the LAPD in a few weeks.

[cdwjava]

Hi,
When I was in high school, I was caught with a metal brass knuckle concealed in a shoe. I was also associated to a gang. I got a year of probation and successfully completed it. Soon after completing my probation, I enrolled in college.

Duriing college, approximately 2-3 years after my crime, I was in the hiring process for the border patrol. I had already passed the written test, physical, and oral interview. However, when it came time for my background investigation, I was not able to continue in the hiring process.

Now approximately 7 years after that incident, I continue to pursue my wish of becoming a law enforcement officer. I am in the hiring process for various governmental law enforcement positions, however, I fear that my criminal record will continue to affect my chances despite my efforts.

The only thing I have in the criminal record in the incident in high school and a speeding ticket in my record. I have 2 other tickets that don't appeared either because I paid them or got dimissed.

I am almost 24; the criminal incident happened when I was barely 17. I have a bachelors degree in criminology with a GPA of 3.78 and a commulative GPA of 3.35.

Any advice? What are my chances?

I have a background interview with the LAPD in a few weeks.

What code sections were you convicted of?

Yes, if this was a felony pursuant to PC 12020(a) and a gang enhancement pursuant to PC 186.22, then you will not pass the background as a felony conviction will be an automatic bar to employment pursuant to state and federal law until age 30.

Now, accomplishments in the interim are a huge positive. Staying out of trouble, a steady and productive work history, and an education go a long way to rehabilitating your reputation. Unfortunately, the felony still exists.

The good news is that if these offenses occurred as a juvenile, you should be able to petition to have that juvenile record sealed. While you would still be required under CA law to reveal this to a background investigator, it should no longer be an automatic bar to employment.

This link can provide you with some information:

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp...imlawclean.htm

[13babul13]

What code sections were you convicted of?

Yes, if this was a felony pursuant to PC 12020(a) and a gang enhancement pursuant to PC 186.22, then you will not pass the background as a felony conviction will be an automatic bar to employment pursuant to state and federal law until age 30.

Now, accomplishments in the interim are a huge positive. Staying out of trouble, a steady and productive work history, and an education go a long way to rehabilitating your reputation. Unfortunately, the felony still exists.

The good news is that if these offenses occurred as a juvenile, you should be able to petition to have that juvenile record sealed. While you would still be required under CA law to reveal this to a background investigator, it should no longer be an automatic bar to employment.

This link can provide you with some information:

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp...imlawclean.htm

Sir,

Mmm, I don't call the section. I just know the police officer pressed bogus PC's to the crime which were later dropped in court. The only charge I had was the possession of the weapon. It's a misdemeanor offense. When I was interrogated in the juvenile facility he asked me if I was "jumped in", I said No. That I just hanged around some of the gang memerbers. So, he eventually put in my record that I was gang associated.

Another concern I have is about a small tattoo I had the day of the incident I was arrested. Its almost none visible, thus the booking officer didn't notice it, but he put in the file I had none when in fact I had it. I don't want to lie about it, but if I come out straight they might think I got the tattoo after the fact. I don't want to lie, but I don't want to further hurt my chances.

What should I do?

Thank you!

[cdwjava]

Sir,

Mmm, I don't call the section. I just know the police officer pressed bogus PC's to the crime which were later dropped in court. The only charge I had was the possession of the weapon. It's a misdemeanor offense. When I was interrogated in the juvenile facility he asked me if I was "jumped in", I said No. That I just hanged around some of the gang memerbers. So, he eventually put in my record that I was gang associated.

Without knowing the code sections, it is hard to help. So, here's what you need to do - get your rap sheet.

http://www.ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/security.php

If convicted of a misdemeanor violation of PC 12020 then there should be no automatic bar to employment for that or PC 186.22 (the gang enhancement). However, the crime itself can and will be evaluated by the agency to determine if you are a fit for their agency or if they wish to take a chance on you given that prior history.

Oh, and don't go in to any interview claiming the officer made a "bogus" arrest. That will not go over well. Charges are dismissed or not prosecuted every day and it has less to do with a "bogus" arrest than for other reasons (more applicable offenses, lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt even though PC for the arrest existed, etc.). Regardless, if you come across as criticizing someone else for your choices, you will be disqualified quickly.

Another concern I have is about a small tattoo I had the day of the incident I was arrested. Its almost none visible, thus the booking officer didn't notice it, but he put in the file I had none when in fact I had it. I don't want to lie about it, but if I come out straight they might think I got the tattoo after the fact. I don't want to lie, but I don't want to further hurt my chances.

If the tattoo is a gang related tattoo or something to do with racial bias, and it will at any time be visible, you had best be up front about it and, if hired, may be asked to remove it or keep it covered at all times.

What should I do?

You go to the interview and do what you can. What you do NOT do is lie.

You should also look at sealing that juvenile record. While you must still disclose it to law enforcement during the background process, it can provide some cover and show that you are serious about putting the past behind you.

[13babul13]

No, sir. I don't plan to get to the interview claiming it was a bugus arrest. I take full responsability for my actions. The only thing that bothers me is the additional none violations of the law the police officer put in the report. He charged me with a PC 245; when in fact I never committed assault with a deadly weapon or assaulted anyone for that matter. He also claimed I had two metal knuckles when it was only one. But those issues were resolved, so case closed.

A few years back I thought about sealing my record, but thought that it was pointless due to the type of positions I would eventually apply for (law enforcement). But, I see the the reasoning behind your argument. You are correct.

Thank you! I really appreciate your help. Hopefully, the education I have obtained and the time that has elapse fades a bit my criminal record.

[cdwjava]

The time that has passed - and the education - will help a lot. But, the circumstances of that report will be a huge drag. It might also behoove you to try and obtain a copy of any police report and court records for your own use, and here's why ... eventually, those records may become archived such that the original agency may never be able to retrieve them for another agency doing a background on you. if that happens, you might be left with the criminal allegation but no record of the facts. Without being able to delve into the facts, the backgrounding agency may just decide you are not a risk they want to take. One officer I did a background on came in to the background interview with copies of everything including an IA from a previous agency. Not only did she come across as being up front, but it put all the details into my hands and I was able to more clearly investigate as a result.

Now, as for the PC 245, that can also be present if you are near enough to someone to conceivably strike them and you have the knuckles or some other weapon in your hand. So, while you may not agree with it, and the DA may have opted not to go with it, the statements made, or circumstances observed, at the scene may have led the officer to initially believe that this was applicable. if you get into law enforcement, you will come to understand how that works and how perceptions can differ.

[13babul13]

The time that has passed - and the education - will help a lot. But, the circumstances of that report will be a huge drag. It might also behoove you to try and obtain a copy of any police report and court records for your own use, and here's why ... eventually, those records may become archived such that the original agency may never be able to retrieve them for another agency doing a background on you. if that happens, you might be left with the criminal allegation but no record of the facts. Without being able to delve into the facts, the backgrounding agency may just decide you are not a risk they want to take. One officer I did a background on came in to the background interview with copies of everything including an IA from a previous agency. Not only did she come across as being up front, but it put all the details into my hands and I was able to more clearly investigate as a result.

Now, as for the PC 245, that can also be present if you are near enough to someone to conceivably strike them and you have the knuckles or some other weapon in your hand. So, while you may not agree with it, and the DA may have opted not to go with it, the statements made, or circumstances observed, at the scene may have led the officer to initially believe that this was applicable. if you get into law enforcement, you will come to understand how that works and how perceptions can differ.

Sir,

It's me again. Eventually, I decided to withdraw from the hiring process for the LAPD. I am now in the hiring process for CBP. Again, like when I applied for Border Patrol, I believe I am going to be disqualified due to my past gang association. I am really frustrated, so many dreams depend on getting this job. Ah, I don't know what to do. I talked to several CBPO in a forum and they all claim that I will be disqualified. That I will never be able to work in a federal position.

Ahhh, I want to cry and scream, I never thought I would be in this situation. At the age of 17, I never thought I would want to have a family, I never knew I would meet the perfect girl I would want to make my wife, I knew a stupid decision would become a burden impossible to overcome.

The officers in the forum are under the impression I want to join the agency to traffic drugs and leave my "homies" enter the country. They are wrong. I just want a job. City, state, and county jobs are really difficult to get. To many people, not enough space for all; unlike the federal government that hires hundreds at a time.

I found the section with which I was charged: Its PC 12020 (a) Misdemeanor.

I believe the charged alone doesn't kill my chances, but the police report with the information about the incident. I don't know what to do. I am about to take the LSAT in June and maybe enter law school by fall.

What advice would you give me to try to convince the adjudicator about my maturity? And how my juvenile stupidness was an isolated incident in my life.

Ahh, I was thinking about joining the military, either ANG or USCG Reserves. But the 6 year contract kind of intimidates me.

[cdwjava]

My previous advice still stands. Time, positive acts since the indiscretions, education, and the development of solid character will help.

None of what you have mentioned should automatically disqualify you for law enforcement but they will look at your gang associations very carefully. But, agencies are cautious these days as there have been some notorious cases over the past few decades where gang members have infiltrated or tried to infiltrate law enforcement agencies in the country. Chicago had a HUGE problem with this some years back.

Doing a stint in the military might to a very long way to remove any stigma that might be attached.

(What is "CBP?")

[13babul13]

My previous advice still stands. Time, positive acts since the indiscretions, education, and the development of solid character will help.

None of what you have mentioned should automatically disqualify you for law enforcement but they will look at your gang associations very carefully. But, agencies are cautious these days as there have been some notorious cases over the past few decades where gang members have infiltrated or tried to infiltrate law enforcement agencies in the country. Chicago had a HUGE problem with this some years back.

Doing a stint in the military might to a very long way to remove any stigma that might be attached.

(What is "CBP?")

CBP= Customs and Border Protection, the officer position at ports, airports, and borders.

I'll try to be positive, but it is really hard. I already took the test, physical, and interview. I just need to complete a drug test (which I have no problem taking at any time), background and polygraph. What is worst is that they disqualify solely based on the information one provides. If they just interviewed my neighbors, friends, school teachers, clients at the family owned business, or even "gang" rivals they would know I am not the criminal the police report portrays.

I don't claim to be innocent, nor do I deny the facts. I take responsibility for my actions. But the magnitude of the association and direct link with a REAL sureno gang are non existent. They were just a bunch of wannabes and I associated with them. After high school, some really got in to the gang. At the end, some either were in prison, deported, or simply got on with their lives.

I am glad I was arrested and given probation, the consequences of my actions are the ones that hurt. At an early age, 7-8, I knew I wanted to get into law enforcement. I would always watched the Untold Stories of California Highway Patrol, COPS, and another program about bounty hunters. As I got older, I was the loser type of person. Some way or another, I convinced my mother to allow me to transfer to the high school I was expelled and arrested in. That's how it all started. I wanted to "live" a little, at least those were my plans 7 years ago.

I never fought against anyone, although I came very close to having my ass kick. Once there was a rumble in school. We were about 10 and were surrounded by about 20+. One of the opposing gang members confronted one of the guys next to me. All of a sudden, they all attacked the opposing gang member. 7 against 1. The opposing gang did not do anything to help their buddy. I did not participate in the attack.

Less than a week later, I was walking alone when I spotted about 5 guys of the rival gang. I knew my time had come to face the music. As I passed neared by, I could hear some wanted to attack me. But to my surprise, the kid that got jumped at the rumble told them not to. It was a real relief. A few days later after this incident, one of my associates got run over and jumped outside of school.

I was really lucky.

Sir,

How many years would I need to wait? It has already been 7 years. I never had a criminal record or school problems prior to incident, nor after the incident. I don't want to be too old. I am 24. I wish they simply told me, kid come again in 2-3 years or you'll never work at any border or anything. I applied for the US Marshals, but I don't know if its worth pursuing with my record.

About the military, would it be worth it? Or should I just continue on pursuing educational goals?

Thanks again!