Will a Juvenile Record Affect Law Enforcement Employment
My question involves criminal records for the state of: Pennsylvania
I was 15 and 16 years old when I got a summary and misdemeanor offenses on my record. I had forgot that a 2 inch pocket knife that my grandfather
had given to me was in my bag and I got caught with it. I served my probation and expulsion from the school and paid my fine on time. I was then
allowed back into the school. Also the next year I was hanging with a bad crowd and got caught stealing from the local store. I paid my fine on time. I
was wondering how this would affect my ability to work in the law enforcement field. I am almost 21 years old. I am working towards an Associate's
degree and then I will be going back for a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I really want to be a police officer at the local police station or a
correctional officer at the FCI McKean. I am confused and need advice about what I should do. I have changed a lot since I got pregnant at 19. I am trying
my best to better my life. I really just want to know if the summary and misdemeanor offenses will affect my working in law enforcement. Please help me!
Re: Juvenile Record Affecting Law Emforcement Employment
I don't know about the juvi stuff ... but a degree in criminal justice? Go get a psychology degree .... depts want that and its useful elsewhere.
Re: Will a Juvenile Record Affect Law Enforcement Employment
Whether or not your juvenile record will affect employment is up to the agency making the hiring decision. As a general rule, people with no criminal history are at an advantage when seeking law enforcement work.
You should seek expungement of your record as soon as you qualify - in simple terms, five years from final discharge or, since you're over 18, at any time if the prosecutor concurs. (Depending on the full facts the waiting period could be shorter than five years.)