So I’m 29 years old, I have an associates degree. My work history is a concession stand for 4 years, school for 3 and then I owned a cattle ranch for 3 years. Currently I’m working armed private security in Dallas. When I was 19 I was convicted with a DWI, a minor in possession as well but that was dismissed. I hit my 10 year mark for the DWI in July. I’ve been eyeing all the agencies down here but my biggest concern is I was a bad alcoholic from 14-22. I can’t even remember my teens or early 20s. When I was 22 I went to rehab and cleaned up and went to school and all the jobs I posted previously. Anyone I know now would say I’m responsible and a good guy. I’m worried about the poly and background, is it even worth a shot ?
DWI Worry Texas
r/AskLE
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7 years clean with a stable job? Provided you’re in good standing mentally and physically, I’d give it a go. Worst they say is no.
I guess my concern is how do I even address the polygraph or background because I know “ I don’t remember” is not an answer
That long ago — just be straight with them, and focus on how you’ve put in the work to be more stable and doing better. If ever there’s a poly involved — it’s always better to tell the truth, even if polys are 98% woo-bullshit (and this is why they aren’t admissible in court cases unless everybody agrees to them). The poly is really testing “are you going to lie to a supervisor?” That’s the real point of the poly. You can’t gloss over the background either way — so just be straight with them.
If they agency doesn’t give you a pass — you can always consider going on reserve status (which is usually easier to get into. Dallas, at least, will pay for your academy training — so long as you commit to 2 years reserve status).
Since you’ve done security — don’t sleep on the Sheriffs Offices and city marshals. Jail > academy > patrol is a more common pipeline than you might think, on the county side. Even just a couple years of the LE experience as a CO can make it easier for other agencies to hire you.
If you could swing it — you might also consider paying DCC or somewhere else out of pocket for their academy (DPD usually sends you there anyway). If you’ve already got your academy training — you’re also easier for most places to hire. They know they’re going to spend a couple grand on training just to have you wash out before you graduate.
Some departments are also easier to lateral into — it’s also not uncommon for people to work a few years in the suburbs or outlying areas, then come back to work at the bigger metro agencies or DPS.
It shouldn’t be much of an issue for you, honestly — given how long ago it was, and you’ve seemingly recovered from it pretty well. Just own it and be straight. Worst case? You still have options for being a cop. One agency won’t make or break your career.