open container...please help!

[dglock]

First, i wanted to say thanks to everyone for there time in answering this question. My stats; im a third year criminal justice student, but received a recent open container citation. I understand you guys are sick and tired of answering such questions. But, i am seriously worried that it will affect my chances for future hire in a law enforcement position. I remember my professor telling me to keep my nose clean and i failed to do so. I know I will have to explain myself during oral boards, etc. What do you guys think? Do you think I have a competitive chance for hire? Thanks again for your time!

David

[Raven231]

I don't know where you received this ticket at , however in the municipality where I work and open container ticket is very minor. The fine is less than 100 dollars and it is a petty offense under state law.

You being a junior and not getting into LE for at least another year, should be okay. You will get asked about it and they will want to know the circumstances behind the citation. Just be upfront and honest about the situation and all should be fine. I think as long as that is all that is in your background then you are still a very competative candidate.

Raven231

[dglock]

Thanks for your reply. An open container, in the state of Iowa, is classified as a simple misdemeanor. The context surrounding the citation was that I was a passanger in a car. My buddy had just turned 21 and requested that I have a beer with him. We were heading to celebrate his birthday. Unfortunately, I answered his request and had one beer with him. My main concern is convincing a LE agency that it was stupid, but I feel they may be weary considering that I'm a was, at the time, a third year criminal justice student and should be more responsbile. I guess everyone feels like a criminal after the 'oral board.' As far as my history is concerned, it's relatively clean. A few traffic violations coupled with two seperate incidents of marijuana use at age 16. On a side note, how would you compare entrance into the Military Police to entrace with a police department? I known people who have lied to hell on Military entrance for Military Police. I knew kids in High School who were drug dealers/users for many years and became Military Police. The one thing that bothers me is if the Military truly believes they have some good MP's, when in fact they are being ignorant.

[Mo Trooper]

I had a Minor in Possession ticket which I received 2 years prior to be hired on with my current ageny. I wouldn't worry too much about it. In interviews, when they ask about it, just admit you were wrong and go on.

[ICEman]

I wouldn't sweat it too much bud. I received a similar ticket several years ago when I was in college. At the time I went to a University in a small town and the cops were pretty much practicing zero tolerance long before it was fashionable. To make a long story short I got tagged for having an open container on a public sidewalk. I payed $175 ticket. Since then I've worked in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels.

Bottom line is sh*t happens. Learn from your mistake and try not to make too many more. As long as you are up front about the incident in future background investigations I feel safe in saying that you should be fine.

[Wick]

I wouldn't worry too much. I had a Drunk in Publi ticket while I was in college as well. Just make sure you pay it on time or go to whatever apperances you may have to make.

Once you are in the process with an agency be up front about it. Mistakes happen, show that you have learned from it and admit you screwed up.

One little tip. If you are at school away from home, as I was, go to the court house now and get coppies of the ticket and any court records you can. Put all of that in a folder and put it away in a safe place. That way, when it is time to apply and deal with the issue, you have all the correct information and dont have to worry about hunting it down and having it mailed to you.

-Wick

[army_recon]

I received a minor in poss. of alcohol cite when I was 19 and in school in Iowa. I, too, at the time feared that this had ruined a law enforcement dream for me. All of the agencies I tested with could have cared less and one member of an interview panel even told me "Most college kids have an alchohol incident on them, or they SHOULD have!" Chalk it up as a mistake, be truthful about it when it comes job hunting time and don't repeat it....you'll be fine.

[FPS207]

Open container incident is extremely minor. Don't worry about it as others on this board have stated already. If everything else is above board you shouldn't have anymore problems then the rest of us did trying to get into law enforcement.:star:

[mikemac64]

In Massachusetts, we have what are commonly referred to as "Cape Cod crimes"..ie open container, disorderly donduct, minor in possession of alcohol. etc.

Generally, here in Mass., if there is nothing noted in the reports other than generall youthful silliness, you should be fine. I can't speak for anywhere else.

Now, if you continually find youself in these situations, that will reflect on you judgement. Use this as a learning tool.

[WaltKosomik]

Don't worry about it...I am in the process with a couple of agencies and their major concern is if I am truthful about my past indiscretions. I received an MIP and it is a class C misdeamenor, which in many states your Open Container citation is probably an equivalent.

To make you feel a little better, in my extreme case I was even able to get an internship with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (who in TX are feared by college kids because their bread and butter is MIPs, open containers, etc.) a year after I got my MIP. During my interview with the Sgt., his response after my admission to the MIP was, "Good... you're normal."