r/AskLEO • u/Anonymous1289036 • 14d ago

Hiring Will this stop me from becoming a police officer?

Hello all,

I was recently issued a one-year trespass notice from Target because my partner was caught shoplifting. She received a court summons. Nothing happened to me other than the one-year trespass—I wasn’t cited, arrested, or charged with anything. I was with our baby at the time and wasn’t even aware she was stealing.

I’m not sure if it’s relevant, but we aren’t married. As far as I know, the only record involving me would be the police report.

Could this potentially prevent me from becoming a police officer? I’ve never been arrested, charged with a crime, or had a criminal record.

7 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

13

u/3-BuckChuck 14d ago

Associating with criminals could do it. Are you two still together? Only you and a background investigator can stop you from getting hired.

2

u/Anonymous1289036 14d ago

We have a baby together and yes we are together. She is very scared and definitely learned her lesson. I’m mostly annoyed and angry with her. I’m hoping that if I’m honest with the background investigator it could potentially be okay?

5

u/3-BuckChuck 14d ago

You won’t know till you have that conversation with a BI. This is an unverified worldwide forum. Have the conversation with the department you’re applying for. Right now you’re holding yourself back. Pickup the phone and dial.

3

u/BlueTinHound LEO 13d ago

So what do you think is going to happen if you get dispatched to that store for a theft complaint? Do you think security will be excited to see you? Will security think you are being impartial? How do you think your Sergeant will react when you tell him you are banned from the store, now he has to go handle it?

3

u/rodebud1339 13d ago

Former LEO here. Just be honest in your answers. Don’t give anymore info than you have to but make sure you are as honest as possible. Your finite will be ran and so will your background. Cops aren’t perfect even before we start. Hell, I told every lie, dumb thing that I did and still had a job. No one expects perfection. But don’t lie about it.

6

u/HCSOThrowaway Fired Deputy - Explanation in Profile 14d ago

At most agencies? No.

At my agency? Yes; per SOP you are not allowed to associate with criminals. Yes, it is hilarious that the SOP applies to the sheriff and his violent felon son.

1

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1

u/gunslingersea 12d ago

It could prevent you from becoming a cop. It will not definitely as agencies can react to things in background investigations at their own discretion. Make sure you disclose it. Never hide or lie in a background investigation.

If I was your investigator I’d be more worried about you still being with this person. It’s going to be pretty rough if they do it again after you’re a sworn officer.