Question:
Will 2 speeding tickets disqualify me from being a police officer?
Rusty
11 years ago
I'm 24 years old, so I've been driving for 8 years. I received my first speeding ticket in 2008 or 2009, and I just received my second a few days ago. I'm currently working as a legal assistant, trying to save up a little money while I decide whether I want to become a police officer or go to grad school.

So my obvious question is, will 2 speeding tickets disqualify my from becoming a police officer? I wasn't even planning on applying for another year or 2, because I really do need to put together some savings. I've never been arrested or gotten a citation for anything else. I got this most recent ticket when I was entering a very small town where the speed limit dropped quickly from 65 to 45 and I just happened to be passing an officer just as I was about to slow down. Now, I don't mean this to sound like I don't think I deserved a ticket. But it wasn't a case of me being purposefully careless or me just ignoring the law.

I realize that different agencies in different cities will have variations in what disqualifies candidates. I'm asking this as a general question though. In most cities/agencies, will two speeding tickets either disqualify me or MAJORLY hurt my chances? I have an Associate's and Bachelor's degree and graduated with a 3.4 GPA.
Seven answers:
?
11 years ago
It depends. Getting police officer jobs is becoming more and more competitive. When police departments are hiring, they usually have many qualified applicants for a relatively small number of openings. Any red flags can hurt your chances of getting hired by some departments. However, what you wrote probably won't keep you from getting hired. Different departments have different policies and standards. The recent ticket could affect your chances of getting hired soon with some departments, but it won't prevent you from ever getting hired by them. Best of luck!
s
9 years ago
Guys i have 3 speeding tickets is that gonna disqualify me from become a police officer?
Who-Me?
11 years ago
Your ok. Some agencies will DQ you if you have 2 moving violations within the last 12 months. I was hired by a very selective agency and my driving history is worse than yours. I had lots of tickets as a kid, then none for about 5 years before I joined my agency.

Good Luck.
PaleoCon Nation
11 years ago
Infractions will not affect your chances at law enforcement. The first offense is already off your record, as they drop-off after 3 years
?
11 years ago
Only if you lie when asked about them. Police officers are known for having bad teen driving records.
Nico
11 years ago
lol nah, man.. you're good! I've had speeding and seat belt violations.. I got hired.
horntail6666
11 years ago
No, traffic violations won't disqualify you.


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