Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
My question involves expungements or pardons for the state of: Illinois
Ok here goes in 1998 (I was 17) I was involved in a theft ring at a local merchadise store where I worked. We were later caught less than 6 months later (I was still 17). I confessed and took all the blame. I pleaded with the court that i wanted a career in law enforcement to please help me keep this off my record. In mid 1999 the charges were (2) theft over felonies i was sentenced and it was as went as follows: Withhold Judgement Court Supervision for Theft (Shoplifting) class A misdeameanor. In 2005 I got the case expunged or sealed (unknown which) from the local courthouse, fbi, state police. I was now reading that Theft is a disqualifying crime for which in the state of illinois you can not be a certified police officer. Would this include me or would I fall through since the withheld judgement and Techinically I dont think i was convicted since it was later released on court supervision. I really want to start a future in law enforcement I have not been in any trouble since. If anyone could help I would appriciate it.
Thanks
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
I will tell you this as I work at the federal level. With that in your past even if you where a minor you will NOT be able to be employed as a federal agent.
I only answer the parts of a post that I know as fact.
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
Ok so after your post I emailed the legal departments of the DEA, US Marshals, FBI, CIA, and lastly ATF. I received an email back about 2-7 days later from all except CIA. DEA, Marshals, and ATF Will Allow for my past and I can compete in the hiring process. However FBI has stated that they will check into it and contact me back however getting a fingerprint record would be sufficent to properly identify what is still on the record and the actual charges. Not to prove you wrong or say that with all the qualified people out there applying for the same position but I CAN APPLY AND GO THROUGH THE PROCESS. Thanks for your reply though.
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
Sure, but Charles Manson could apply and start the process too. They can't stop people from applying, but they can take the application and put it in the "not gonna happen" stack with a very nice smile. Federal level law enforcement employment requires EXCEPTIONAL background, at many levels.
If you've got the time to spend, enjoy it, but don't get your hopes up. Better luck is possible at state/county/city level agencies.
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
It seems per his first post he wants to be a police officer in the state of Il. & not in law enforcement at the federal level. However, I would still not get my hopes up too high.
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
With a Theft (retail) on my record 10 years old. I try to be as open minded as I can but every bigger agency( not small towns) has someone with skeletons in their closet including DUI's, possession, theft. This is not just coming from me this is coming from a respectable federal agency at the career fair. Yes i know what you people think that most are just criminals and once a criminal always a criminal but thats not the case in my basis. In that 10 years i have righted most of my wrongs including 4 years of schooling, few jobs in the career field, and training that I knew I needed to stand out with my past. I will not let this stand in my way and as long as I am honest about my past( which i am) and hardworking in the future i will succed in the law enforcement field. Thanks for all the input though. And your right I dont want federal Id prefer something along the lines of street beat dealing with narcotics. :)
Re: Becoming a Police Officer After Record is Expunged or Sealed
All you can do is apply for positions & see what happens - the best of luck to you.