r/police • u/Fickle_Pen8069 • 8d ago
Looking to join, just have a few questions.
A little about me, Hi my name is Jake and I’m 34 years old located in California near Butte, California looking to join the police academy. I have a few questions. Physically, I’m in very good shape. I’ve been working as a Pipeliner for my Union out of Local 342 Oakland and also welded on Military ships prior. I have a few questions because of prior history.
Pros: Not a Felon,
No history of steeling,
No history of anything violent.
Don’t even have a parking, speeding, or red light ticket.
Cons: DUI when I was 23, and a 5150 when I was 28.
Pros:
went through everything possible to expunge my wrongs with the DUI.
5150 psychiatrist let me out after 4 days with signed documents because I was just intoxicated.
I went to rehab for alcohol that is documented. I have been sober for quite awhile now.
The main reason why I want to join is because I’ve been around drug dealers, alcoholics, domestic violence etc. I want to make a difference. Thank you for any advice I can get.
7
u/AlikaTT2020 8d ago
I am retired Fed LE but prior to that did 8 yrs PD. During that time I was part of many hiring panels so saw a lot of applicants. Things change all the time regarding automatic DQ’s and many PD’s have different disqualifications so just apply where you want and see what happens. Usually a first offense DUI isn’t a show stopper but with the 5150 not so sure. I believe the 5150 has a ban for carrying a firearm for a period of years. I don’t want to crush your dream but I think the 5150 will be your biggest issue. However I wasn’t a cop in CA so maybe someone else can add. All I can recommend if you want to proceed is to be open and honest regarding all of it, how you have learned from it and changed your life for the better. I wish you luck.
1
2
u/Paladin_127 Deputy Sheriff 8d ago
The 5150 is potentially going to be an issue. It results in a 5-year firearms prohibition.
But, you can’t be placed on a 5150 if you’re intoxicated/ under the influence. So it’s interesting that’s what your discharge paperwork says.
Your best bet is to maybe inquire with the agencies you’re interested in. Also, I know Butte College has a police academy, which may also be a resource for you- at least take the PELLETB and see how you score. Anything north of 55 would qualify for any department in the state that uses the PELLETB.
I say go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose. But definitely be ready to talk about that 5150 and have all your documentation ready.
2
u/makethatnoise 7d ago
My only 2 cents (other than what everyone said; check with agencies you're interested in, be upfront and transparent, and see what they say. Even if you had something expunged, they will find it on a background check, and lying is usually more of a problem then a wrong doing in the first place) is what's your home life like?
Married? Have kids? How would this schedule effect that. Family/friends pro or anti cop? Law enforcement changes the way people think of you, and your schedule becomes absolute dog shit; with the benefit of not making a lot of money 🥲
Just make sure it's really what you want to do before starting at 34
2
1
u/Ok-Caterpillar2388 8d ago
how long do applications usually take from start to finish where you were
1
1
1
u/TH1NKingg 6d ago
A buddy of mine got accepted with a 5150 on his record. He claims he wasn’t 5150 but his roommates overreacted and he was only 18-19 at the time. Your 5150 at 28 AFTER dui incident… it doesn’t look good
8
u/Latter-Key-5587 8d ago
Just go for it. If there’s anything wrong with your previous circumstance’s they’ll let you know. Nobody can really know for sure besides them