More on shoplifting

[calif75]

My question is related to my past shoplifting experiences. When I was 17 I got caught at Wal-Mart but they let me go because it was close to Christmas. As I recall, they didn't take down any of my information. Later, when I was about 19 I was depressed and did some more shoplifting, this time at a bookstore. I was caught stealing two pornographic magazines. They took my driver's license and copied it, then they told me that I was not allowed to come back to their store for a year. I am 26 now and a much different person. What are your thoughts? Should I tell all?

[Ranger337]

If they ask tell em. If they ask you if there is anything in your background that you would like to discuss, tell em.

Don't hide it, they'll find out. Be 100% honest.

Best of luck to you,
Ranger337

[TTRAIN222]

Your BI may not find anything since both instances were kept inside the stores, pretty lucky I might add. For the poly they most likely will ask you if you have ever stole anything/taken something. Honesty is the best policy, it is just up to you to show that you are a much different person today than the "depressed shoplifter" you used to be. I don't think you would have to say anything more than you took two mags, not "two pornographic mags". I actually did a paper on shoplifing in Criminology class. I found that people who shoplift when they are depressed are just like people that do other things like get drunk, get high, spend excess amounts of money, etc., except that is their way of dealing with it. I would think that since LE is a job that could easily lead to depression, you will have to show how you have changed as a person in dealing with it. The length of time should be sufficent, the question is can you sell yourself as far as being a "much different person"?

I actually have a somewhat similar situation (long story), where I paid for an item at the grocery store I worked at for about 1/2 of what it was worth, I believe it was the same thing as shoplifting. After I confessed, the store manager gave me the whole "I could have you arrested" speech, but nothing happened. I was already applying at PDs and when it came time to do the oral boards I knew not enough time had passed since the incident. Now it has been two years and I really feel like the incident is behind me and I could talk about it with confidence because I know I would never do something like that again. (No I would not accept discounted meals when I'm on duty!) :)

Best wishes,
Steve

[TANKMGA8]

SHOULD YOU TELL ALL?!?

Without a doubt,

You tell them they don't find anything out, you are still in the process.

You tell all and they find out something, you will probably still be in the process.

You don't tell all, they don't find out anything but if it bothers you here, it will bother you on the poly, they ask what was bothering you, you tell then, you are DQ.

You don't tell all, they find out about it, you are DQ.

You decide which one you want to risk, the first two are what I would bet on. If you tell them and they say ok, nobody was an angel and you go on. You feel better and stand a much better chance with it all out in the open.

Good luck to you,

[calif75]

Thank you everyone for all your responses and best wishes. You guys are great!!

I have one other question regarding this topic. Let's say that I go ahead and document the two times I was caught shoplifting in my PHQ or BI interview. Certainly, they will suspect that there was other times that I shoplifted and didn't get caught. They would be correct in their assumption. Therefore, should I TELL ALL or try to minimize my list considering that none of the items stolen were of significant value?

Thanks again for your help!

[TANKMGA8]

In reguard to your second question refer to my first reply!!!!!