I am a 29M looking to get into LE. Currently located in TX. I’ve had a rough time with my application processes, have been DQ’d or non-selected from 6 in the last year. The first department of those 6, I had made it through all steps, but fell short on the psych. Since then, I was removed from the process at each department at just the pre-background check phase. I am thinking it might be best for me to wait a year before trying again, to help put more time and distance between my history and the multiple rejections I’ve received.
Background: I have a degree, and I’ve been working private security for 5+ years now. I have a clear driving record, no criminal background, great credit. Haven’t done any drugs in 9+ years, and what I had done was MJ less than 10x ever and a 1x use of unprescribed adderall. I verified with all departments before applying to confirm these weren’t disqualifiers (immediately after college, I had applied to roughly 15 departments too soon after drug use, and was DQ’d by all—thought the best route was to cast a wide net when applying; learned my lesson).
I’m wondering now, what I can do in the next year to better boost my chances for when I try again, such as any training, certification, etc.? Your honest feedback and insight is appreciated. Happy to share more on my background if you DM me, I would really appreciate an honest take, because I am stumped at this point.
Comments
Thank you for your question, UsualBobcat1846! Please note this subreddit allows answers to law enforcement related questions from verified current and former law enforcement officers as well as members of the public. As such, look for flair verifying their status located directly to the right of their username.
While someone without flair may be current or former law enforcement unwilling to compromise their privacy on the internet for a variety of reasons, consider the possibility they may not have any law enforcement experience at all.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
I’m in Texas as well. Have you looked at getting your peace officer license on your own? If you get your license, you can cast a wider net and apply at places that don’t have an academy, or won’t have to send you to an academy.
Also, if you failed psych, getting that resolved may be your ticket to getting on somewhere.
Not sure how to do that, but if that’s what stopped you the first time, I’d see what I can do to improve that.
Best of luck!!