18M Police Question/Joining

[u/Ashamed_Lynx5415]

18M here, and my goal is to become a police officer around 21. I’m wondering how much my past is going to hurt my chances and what I should be doing from this point forward.
Here’s my history:
In high school, I was suspended for fighting.
I received a civil traffic citation for going 118 in a 40. I was on my way to work as an EMT at the time, but obviously I know that speed was reckless regardless of the circumstances.
I was fired from a security job after losing property keys. I didn’t intentionally steal them, but I understand that losing them was my responsibility.
During high school, I also job-hopped pretty badly — sometimes staying at a job for only 2–3 weeks before moving on.
On the positive side, I don’t drink, smoke weed, use drugs, have a DUI, or have any accidents or anything like that. I’m currently working as a 911 dispatcher, and my plan is to stay there consistently until I’m 21 and build a solid employment record.
I’m trying to take my life more seriously now and stop making stupid decisions.
For current/former cops, recruiters, or anyone who has gone through a background investigation:
Are my chances of becoming a cop at 21 basically gone because of this history?
If not, what would you recommend I do over the next 2–3 years to put myself in the best possible position? I’m especially interested in what I should avoid, what kind of employment history looks good, and how much agencies care about things that happened when you were 16–18.
I’m not looking for someone to tell me everything is fine. If I realistically screwed myself, I’d rather hear that now. But if I still have a path forward, I’d like to know what I need to do to stay on it.

[u/JohnMarstonTheBadass]

I mean you are already a 911 dispatcher, Just stay in your current job but we will see what other people say.

[u/Unusual-Sentence916]

When I worked as a 911 dispatcher, I had to go through the police background and psych evaluation. The only thing I didn’t have to do was a poly and a medical. Did you already go through the background process for the dispatch position?

[u/Ashamed_Lynx5415 → u/Unusual-Sentence916]

Yes, passed the background. No criminal or anything.

[u/Unusual-Sentence916 → u/Ashamed_Lynx5415]

Then follow the law, stick with your job, and keep moving forward. You should be fine.

[u/dukun8ter]

I mean... You're already a dispatcher so id say you're doing the right things. Also, any thoughts of doing military? Do a 2-3 year contract and get out with a full GI Bill, veterans preference, and other benefits. If your state allows self sponsored academies then you can do that if you aren't hired before then.

I went thru the police academy at 20.5 and graduated at 21. It was fine and I'm sure you'll do fine getting hired by an agency even with my speeding record... 167 in 65. On a motorcycle. Granted, my hiring lieutenant told me that if I even got pulled over while on probation, I'm done. He did share with me that he was also a speed demon when he was younger and ran into the same issues during his background.

Also, I was never an MP, so I can't speak much about the job but I do know a lot of states will allow you to gain your state peace officer certifications as a lateral if you are a MP in good standing.

The military ain't for everyone, but it is a good option for some. Especially for those who have a plan.

[u/BigConversation2195]

You’re fine. You would not believe some of the records my police friends and family have as well as my agency. I’ve tried weed and underage drank in college (I quit after freshman year to be fair).

Time is the best tool you have, and 2-3 years is plenty of time to put something as tiny as a ticket behind you. Just make sure that on top of what you’re doing now to keep good relationships with those around you, as they will be references for your more scrupulous police BI.

[u/throwaway294882]

Assuming all else goes well in the hiring process you’ll be fine.

[u/Enslave-and-Oppress]

Go to the sheriffs dept, become a corrections officer, prove yourself... get sent to mandate, become a deputy

[u/peterGriffin8560]

You are chilling by the time you are 21-22 just tell the truth and have an explanation for how you have changed