Just a question about the Fire Department?

Question

As of January of 2009, I will be a licensed paramedic, in pursuit of a career as a firefighter/paramedic. One problem....... In 2001 I received a misdemeanor. I was young and stupid and tried to steal something from a store and got caught. A mistake that I have been paying for ever since. Anyways, I have had it expunged under PC 1203.4. My record says "NOT GUILTY" and case was "dismissed."

My questions are - Does anyone have any experience with trying to get hired with something like that on your record? Even though it is expunged, do I still have a shot at getting picked up???

Any advice would be much appreciated...

Answer 1

Some departments my bump you from the hiring list for this.  After all, this is a highly sought after position, and the competition is fierce.  However, every member of that interview board was at one time a kid that did something stupid.  We all were.  It's a part of growing up.  You just got caught.  Be honest, admit the mistake, move one.  Don't make excuses.  Don't blame someone else.  Take responsibility for your actions and you'll do fine.  You may have to interview a couple of more time than you otherwise would have, but being a misdemeanor and not a felony, you should be ok.

Answer 2

Even an expunged record can be used against you in employment as a peace officer in most every state. Yes, you will have to reveal this past. And even if the felony no longer exists, it can be used against you in a hiring decision by the agency. Multiple felonies involving theft are multiple offenses involving crimes of moral turpitude. ANY felony is an automatic bar by both state and federal law to employment as a peace officer.

According the NM DPS site, you DO have to reveal ANY and all arrests and convictions. So, you need to find out what the final disposition was on your crimes, and what the end result was. I suspect even if they were dropped to misdemeanors, they will dog you in applying as a peace officer.

Answer 3

Tell your potential employer about it. Its a lot easier to just 'fess up and deal with it now. If they find out you omitted something on your application, you could lose your job. Just tell them you something in the neighborhood of "I was accused of......but my case was dismissed."

Answer 4

They will want to know more about the incident possibly. However, the only real way that you can't get hired for fire is if you have a felony on your record. Otherwise it shouldn't be too big of a problem.  

Answer 5

i think you are misinformed. you may have been tried for misdemeanor shoplifting but were found not guilty, or had the case dismissed. you couldnt have been all three.

background investigators know that stupid kids do stupid things. apply anywhere and everywhere you would want to work; if and when you get to your background investigation, tell them the full story. emphasize that you were young and dumb and that that experience opened your eyes and you turned your life around. good luck!

Answer 6

i dont htink it will ruin ur chances that much. answer my q plz. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...