Any police officers here? I need some advice.

**BerksCountyDave** · November 4th, 2008, 01:28 PM

I haven't mentioned anything up until now, but I am seriously considering becoming a police officer. But, I certainly have some questions.

1. I'm 24 years old. Would I be considered too "old" to start now? I.e., getting my criminal justice degree, going through the academy, etc?

2. What is the job availability like? Mainly just in larger municpalities?

3. What sort of things are held against an applicant to the force? I have a few speeding tickets from my teenage years as well as one "reckless driving" charge. (It was bullshit, but that doesn't matter). I also have a pretty shitty credit score, but I don't know why that would matter.

I've been thinking about this for quite a while, and I might be ready to start pursuing it.

Thanks
Dave

**chrisjames_71** · November 4th, 2008, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by BerksCountyDa483532ve;

1. I'm 24 years old. Would I be considered too "old" to start now? I.e., getting my criminal justice degree, going through the academy, etc?

Someplaces yes, some no. I didn't get in till I was 30.

Originally Posted by BerksCountyDa483532ve;

2. What is the job availability like? Mainly just in larger municpalities?

A lot of departments are hurting for folks

Originally Posted by BerksCountyDa483532ve;

3. What sort of things are held against an applicant to the force? I have a few speeding tickets from my teenage years as well as one "reckless driving" charge. (It was bullshit, but that doesn't matter). I also have a pretty shitty credit score, but I don't know why that would matter.

all kinds of things could be held against you. Prior drug use, too many suspensions, poor driving record, and yes shitty credit can kill it as well. And to answer why you don't think it would matter: its all about integrity. Shows irresponsibleness and that you don't pay bills on time. Oh and for the record, I had real shitty credit when I was processing. They made me clean it up before I got hired, so its not a total end all.

**BerksCountyDave** · November 4th, 2008, 02:16 PM

I lost my job a couple of years back and the bills went unpaid for quite a while and murdered my credit score. Don't know how I could "clean it up". Stuff like that drives me nuts in this country. Fall on hard times just once? No job for you.

**chrisjames_71** · November 4th, 2008, 02:24 PM

Being fired is also another red flag. But won't really stop you. As long as EVERYTHING is paid off and current, you should be good to go.

Good luck

**BerksCountyDave** · November 4th, 2008, 02:26 PM

I could certainly have credit cards etc. paid off by the time I would be finishing the academy, but not my car. I've never been fired, the company went out of business. Never done drugs. No DUI's.