Can I Be a Police Officer with an Expunged Record?
The quick answer is it depends on the offense and the agency's policies. If the offense is not serious and occurred during your youth, it is possible. However, if the record involves violence or significant offenses, the answer is often no.
It's crucial to fully disclose any prior criminal history, including expunged offenses, during the application process. Here’s why:
Why Disclosure Matters
The decision to join the police force is based on trust and responsibility. Agencies have a thorough vetting process that includes extensive background checks. While expungement restores some rights and could help in some cases, it does not entirely erase the conviction. During the interview, honesty is critical. If you have an expunged record, you should disclose the charge and the disposition, such as the plea deal and the outcome.
Alabama as an Example
It is possible to become a police officer in Alabama if your conviction was pardoned, but it is not probable. The process involves a review by the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training (APOST) agency and possibly an appeal process. At the same time, a conviction that started as a strong-armed robbery would likely disqualify you regardless of the expungement. The APOST will deny the application, and any attempts to hide the crime during the interview could lead to immediate disqualification.
The Impact of Expungement on Employment
Expungement does restore some rights, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm, but it does not erase the conviction from all records. During a background check, the record of the conviction will still be accessible to law enforcement and other agencies. Therefore, in an interview, if you mention being arrested for a serious offense but take a plea deal to a misdemeanor, your honesty is valued. However, if you simply say no and expect the expungement to hide the charge, the background check will uncover the truth.
Common Mistakes During the Application Process
Experienced interview board members often encounter candidates who lie about their criminal history because they believe the expungement will shield them from scrutiny. This is a critical mistake.
During the interview, you may be asked to disclose your criminal history with the records right in front of you. Candidates who fail to disclose complete information may find their lies exposed during the deeper background investigation, which goes beyond a simple records check.
Unfortunately, any crime of violence, regardless of the plea deal or expungement, is a significant barrier to becoming a police officer. Honesty throughout the application process is paramount.
Overall, if you have an expunged record, it’s important to be honest, especially if the offense is of a serious nature. The decision to deny a candidate with a conviction is often based on ensuring the safety and integrity of the police force. The truth always comes to light, and honesty during the application process can make a significant difference.