Can You Become a Police Officer With Two DUIs on Your Record?

Law enforcement officials should be law-abiding citizens of good moral character.

A candidate for a police officer position must be a law-abiding citizen. However, the possession of a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify the candidate from the position. Police departments will accept candidates with certain misdemeanors on their record, provided the candidate fulfills all the other requirements.

Criminal Record

Having a criminal record may not be immediate grounds for disqualification in an application to a police department. Although most departments across the United States disqualify a candidate with a felony on his criminal record, the first two convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) are generally classified as misdemeanors. In that case, simply having two DUIs on a record may not render an applicant ineligible for the position.

Moral Character

Police departments typically do not accept any candidates who are not of good moral character. For example, the Tampa Police department stipulates that police officer candidates cannot have any convictions involving moral character, domestic violence, perjury or false statements. During the application process, police departments may look at other charges and convictions related to the DUI. For example, if the candidate assaulted a police officer during questioning, the department may choose not to hire him.

Lying

Candidates for law enforcement jobs must undergo background checks and different evaluations. If the candidate lies about any aspect of her criminal record, she will most likely be disqualified immediately. In the case of law enforcement positions, departments and agencies can access expunged records, so candidates should seek legal advice before claiming they do not have a criminal record.

References

• City of Tampa: Qualifications to be a TPD Officer
• Sacramento Police Department: Preparing for a Career in Law Enforcement
• Legal Law Help: Misdemeanor Crimes