I've been in college for awhile now and I'm not too far off from a degree. I'll continue my degree but I've wanted to be a police officer for a long time now. I have a number of reasons and none of them are for the glory shown in movies.

Anyway.. I had a speeding ticket nearly 4 years back now. Not a big deal, and likely not an issue but still could it haunt me now that I'm applying? Also, I have a ticket for, I believe, being drunk in public. Although I was underage the drinking took place in Mexico where it was legal and no charges were pressed in relation to age. It's embarrassing to say the least but I don't remember any of it.

I think I might have been given something that messed with me because I've never had an experience like it. Not that it matters. Basically, friends (this is their description of the event) and I crossed the border back into California and were walking back to my friends car. I kept telling them I had to go to go to the restroom. One friend told me to just go and I, in a drunken stuper, did so on the street. San Diego cops didn't take long in my arrest. I don't recall any of this, getting arressted, sitting in jail for 4+ hours, getting out, going home 2 more hours away, waking my family up to get inside my house, or going to bed. Just waking up in the morning with a ticket for $300 (ish).

This is what worries me, it was utterly stupid and drunken youth is no excuse. BTW it was just over 4 years ago. Do I stand a chance? I messed up, I know more than I can even say, but has this ruined my chance at doing some good (or simply keeping the peace) as a career?

Any advice is welcomed as I'm just really worried about my interview next week. If anyone has more details as to the state specifically, the events took place in California and I'm now in North Carolina where I hope to become an officer.

It will not stop you from being a police officer If the being drunk was in Mexico, it is possible no record of it even exists, but you want to be honest about it, since that is the largest worry, after 10 years working, someone finds out and blackmails you, if you don't >>>>>> they will tell and you lose your job, your retirement and so on.

Now you will be going against perhaps 100 other people for each one opening, so you need to get a college degree, and may have to work in a small department, or even corrections or the jail for a few years to have a edge on others.

Thanks for the information. I've been stressing it so much. Although I'm sure it's on my record given the San Diego Superior Court having issued a ticket and fees. I'd hate for this to hurt me later so I'm going to be upfront and wish for the best.

I'm not in a small city but I spoke with an officer a month or so back I was told me that there were nearly a 100 openings for officers here. I'd love to fill on of those positions and now feel a little better about my interview. Thanks again!