Can I get a career in law enforcement with a prior arrest?

Question

I am a recent graduate with a criminal justice degree and I have been seeking employment for sometime now. I've been trying to get into the field of law enforcement but the first time I did I was turned away from the Department of Homeland Security due to a prior drug arrest. I was arrested on possession of marijuana but the charges were later dismissed on the condition that I passed my probationary period (conditional discharge). Is it even worth me trying to get into law enforcement or will I never get hired due to this one instance?

Answer 1

You still have  criminal record and even though it was dismissed, it was negotiated and you admitted guilt.

That is the only way to get the deal you mentioned here.

Sorry, but there are already too many cops out there with no record who break the law and they can't afford the risk of hiring an admitted felon.

Answer 2

If the charges were dismissed you may still have a chance. You just have to be completed honest on your application, interview, and lie detector test.

What field of law enforcement are you interested in? Talk to your local agencies. Get to know them. Go to events in your area. Ask them what their views on your history are.

But truly.. I don't think it will be a problem. Why let it stop you from trying?

Answer 3

You are eligible with no felonies.  As a practical matter, most police departments want zero misdemeanors.  

Answer 4

What you have described is that you got non adjudicated probation.  They tell you that if you complete all the conditions of the court then you would not have a record.  What they did not tell you is that without an expungement the arrest is still on your record but the outcome is not.  So the background check will still come up with the arrest for possession of drugs.  Hire an attorney and have your record expunged.  We do many expungements for the military and police officers who need a security clearance and once it is expunged nothing will show up.