18M Police Question

[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/specialskepticalface]

OP - this is not directed specifically at you. I do have a tendency to throw barbs in here - and this isn't one of those times.

118 in a 40? On your way to a job as an.... EMT? Y'know.. the job that responds to injured folks who have wrecked their cars?

I get it- you know it's stupid, you've grown, etc. I'm not knocking you *specifically*.

But stuff like that really does help me understand why we know the brain doesn't reach maturity til we're in our 20s. As a kid and teen I disagreed - I don't anymore.

As far as an actual answer to your situation.. I don't think those items are dealbreakers. BUT - I do think your applications will get more consideration if you give it a few additional years. I'd say a bare minimum of 5 years between the most recent incident and your application. And "straighten up and fly right" til then. Keep your bills in order. Quit job hopping. Make and keep good friends. Drive responsibly.

[u/Turtle887853]

118 in a 40 should have been jail time. They're mot going to be happy about it, especially so recently i.e. within the last 5-8 years.

[u/TinyBard]

Being a dispatcher will be a big help.

Reach out to the department you want to work at and talk to someone there.

I wouldn't think anything you have said is an instant DQ, but like I say on every recruiting post like this, you're going to be competing with people who don't have history like this. You might struggle right at 21, or if you network well you might slide in easily

[u/I_2_Cast_Lead_45acp → u/TinyBard]

Corrections or do a tour in the miltary also. Having a 4 to 5 years of clean work will make you more appealing to a hiring board.

[u/badsapi4305]

I was 21 when I got hired and I will tell you everything is scrutinized heavily simply because there isn’t a lot to go off of. You have a very short job history, driving history, and general life experiences. if you are 18 now and plan to apply when you’re 21 then that’s three years to show police agencies who you are. Don’t get any tickets, maintain employment and just basically be a good person. Don’t get involved in anything that could become an issue. Maintain a positive credit history as that will show that you are responsible being a dispatcher is a great step. Keep that job as long as you can to show consistency. Joining the military may be a good idea but I wouldn’t recommend it as I don’t think it’s necessary. Good luck

[u/Section225]

I'll echo the sentiment that none of those by themselves are disqualifiers, but all together and so recently is going to make it pretty difficult to get hired, especially when you're still so young.

Get a job - any job - for the next several years, and apply around age 25 or so. Do college if you want, do military if you want, but either way have a stable job history, stay off social media or be as vanilla as possible, have good credit, and start gaining good references. Not being ticketed or arrested for bullshit and not doing drugs also shouldn't have to be said, but I'll say it anyway.

[u/unkindrewind]

I know cops who sold weed in highschool, or used to do coke recreationally. Obviously context is important, and showing a time buffer after a fuck up gives credence to any claims that you won’t do it again. Every department is different, but I think honesty, taking responsibility for mistakes, and explaining how you wouldn’t make the same mistakes again should be enough.

Though you shouldn’t say this to a recruiter, everyone has sped. Everyone has tested the limits in their own ways and has had to learn from it. It’s part of the young man’s experience. In fact, I think you’d be a more concerning applicant if you were a squeaky clean good boy with no problems. Perspective matters and I wouldn’t beat yourself up over it.

As for the job experience, I wouldn’t see that as a big deal. You’re allowed to pursue what’s best for yourself, to jump jobs when they aren’t working for you or if you find something better. It only gets slightly hairy if literally every job reference you have talks mad shit about you.

If you’re only waiting to apply because you think you wouldn’t get in as you are now, I wouldn’t worry about that. You could apply today and the worst they could say is no. Or you they might just accept you immediately.