Hello Everyone I have a question. A friend of mine applied for the NYC auxiliary police and was disqualified because of a prior felony conviction. Why is this? Auxiliary don't carry firearms so why was he disqualified?

Firearms or not, having a felony on your record suggests you may be untrustworthy or otherwise incapable or unwilling to follow the rules.  That's not what a police department wants in a candidate and they'd likely prefer not to take the risk.

He would have to get a pardon from the court, should have known that before he applied, here I think if you apply to the RCMP & they find something you didn't mention you can be either disqualified for up to 3 years or indefinitely, meaning, no chance of reapplying, should have does his homework first.

Firearms or not, having a felony on your record suggests you may be untrustworthy or otherwise incapable or unwilling to follow the rules.  That's not what a police department wants in a candidate and they'd likely prefer not to take the risk.

 

:) Wow terrible of them. One felony conviction shouldn't hurt his chances he got out and tried to be productive that's what important. If America keeps sending felons out on the streets those same felons will resort back into that life. But hey America doesn't care that's the whole purpose jail is big business right? If there were no felons their wouldn't be any jobs for police officers huh? Wow. Lets not forget anyone can become a felon overnight. I know plenty of police officers breaking the law everyday. Outside of uniform. I am so sick Of America and its propaganda. You do the crime, you do the time is right but you can't hold a person accountable for one crime forever. Its not like he murdered someone. 

:) Wow terrible of them. One felony conviction shouldn't hurt his chances he got out and tried to be productive that's what important. If America keeps sending felons out on the streets those same felons will resort back into that life. But hey America doesn't care that's the whole purpose jail is big business right? If there were no felons their wouldn't be any jobs for police officers huh? Wow. Lets not forget anyone can become a felon overnight. I know plenty of police officers breaking the law everyday. Outside of uniform. I am so sick Of America and its propaganda. You do the crime, you do the time is right but you can't hold a person accountable for one crime forever. Its not like he murdered someone. 

According to the New York City Police Department recruiting website, to be disqualified as an applicant, you just need 1 felony conviction and they will not hire you 

Because the real reason felons can't be peace officers isn't just that they can't carry guns (the federal rule doesn't even apply to state governmental bodies, per 18 US Code section 925(a)(1)); it's that a peace officer is a position of great trust and responsibility, and society has for the most part deemed felons unsuited for positions in which they are given great trust and responsibility (it's not just law enforcement-type positions: felony conviction generally results in an automatic loss of professional licenses [like law or medical licenses], often bars you from ever holding public office, often results in legal restrictions on you doing business with the government, etc.) NYPD auxiliaries are peace officers, with powers of arrest, the power to use force, the power to issue orders to the general public, etc.: things society is not normally willing to give to convicted felons.

:) Wow terrible of them. One felony conviction shouldn't hurt his chances he got out and tried to be productive that's what important. If America keeps sending felons out on the streets those same felons will resort back into that life. But hey America doesn't care that's the whole purpose jail is big business right? If there were no felons their wouldn't be any jobs for police officers huh? Wow. Lets not forget anyone can become a felon overnight. I know plenty of police officers breaking the law everyday. Outside of uniform. I am so sick Of America and its propaganda. You do the crime, you do the time is right but you can't hold a person accountable for one crime forever. Its not like he murdered someone. 

 

"Let's not forget that anyone can become a felon overnight."

 

Really? I've been alive for almost 29 years, that's almost 10,585 "overnights" that I've been through and I have not become a felon yet. But here's the thing, you don't become a felon unless you commit a felony crime.

 

If he only committed a minor felony, society won't hold it against him "forever". Two of my best friends in college were convicted of a felony. They both committed a crime. They've both served their time and been released, and they've got jobs and are going on about their lives.

 

But, to be associated with law enforcement in any way, you must not have any felony convictions and usually no recent misdemeanor convictions and you generally have to prove that you've turned your life around (hold a professional job for a number of years, honorable military service, etc) Every agency I've ever looked at working for has the same hiring standards, so it shouldn't have been a surprise for your friend.

 

It took me 3 minutes to find the requirements for the NYPD's hiring and selection, which clearly indicate that any felony conviction or any conviction of an offense which indicates lack of good moral character will result in disqualification.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/careers/application_overview.shtml

 

If your friend couldn't be bothered to do 3 minutes worth of research, then he doesn't belong anywhere near a law enforcement position.

According to the New York City Police Department recruiting website, to be disqualified as an applicant, you just need 1 felony conviction and they will not hire you 

Yeah but that's not fair at all. We have all made mistakes in life its important to move past them and better ourselves.  America has to stop being the land of discrimination. My dear friend is trying to move past it and forget about that particular life. But if he is being constantly reminded of it. He can't.  If no one will hire him or give him a chance, Then he is justified into resorting to whatever he knows in order feed himself and his family.  So if he robs your liquors stores, or holds up your bank, remember he tried to knock on the door of success and it slammed in his face.

:) Wow terrible of them. One felony conviction shouldn't hurt his chances he got out and tried to be productive that's what important. If America keeps sending felons out on the streets those same felons will resort back into that life. But hey America doesn't care that's the whole purpose jail is big business right? If there were no felons their wouldn't be any jobs for police officers huh? Wow. Lets not forget anyone can become a felon overnight. I know plenty of police officers breaking the law everyday. Outside of uniform. I am so sick Of America and its propaganda. You do the crime, you do the time is right but you can't hold a person accountable for one crime forever. Its not like he murdered someone.

I actually agree that policies which forever stigmatize criminals and make it nigh-impossible for them to obtain gainful employment are counterproductive, and encourage recidivism. But there's a big difference between "felons shouldn't be automatically denied gainful employment after they've served their time" and "felons shouldn't be barred from a position in which they are delegated some of the sovereign powers of the government". I don't think a felony conviction should make it effectively impossible to find a job, but nor do I think the authority of a peace officer should be given to a felon outside of exceptional circumstances (for which there is an exception: in truly exceptional circumstances in which a police department thinks it *is* appropriate to hire a felon as an officer, the circumstances are also likely enough to justify a pardon [though the reverse is not necessarily true -- just because the governor pardons, doesn't mean the police should have to take you]).

Yeah but that's not fair at all. We have all made mistakes in life its important to move past them and better ourselves.  America has to stop being the land of discrimination. My dear friend is trying to move past it and forget about that particular life. But if he is being constantly reminded of it. He can't.  If no one will hire him or give him a chance, Then he is justified into resorting to whatever he knows in order feed himself and his family.  So if he robs your liquors stores, or holds up your bank, remember he tried to knock on the door of success and it slammed in his face.

 

This isn't just a New York thing. It doesn't matter where you go to, if you have any type of felony on your record, any job like police or anything that deals with Public Service won't hire you at all. As a resident of New York, its a long process to even become a NYPD officer let alone a regular employee, you have to go through so much background checks, that they scan everything from your school record to your arrest record. So one bad mark on your record can be a major game changer when applying for police, especially the NYPD. Aux officers deal with the public just as NYPD patrol cops do, they are pretty much backup officers and assist from patrols to directing traffic. Police want a clean record applicant, someone who they can trust and who hasn't been behind bars in the past.

"Let's not forget that anyone can become a felon overnight."

 

Really? I've been alive for almost 29 years, that's almost 10,585 "overnights" that I've been through and I have not become a felon yet. But here's the thing, you don't become a felon unless you commit a felony crime.

 

If he only committed a minor felony, society won't hold it against him "forever". Two of my best friends in college were convicted of a felony. They both committed a crime. They've both served their time and been released, and they've got jobs and are going on about their lives.

 

But, to be associated with law enforcement in any way, you must not have any felony convictions and usually no recent misdemeanor convictions and you generally have to prove that you've turned your life around (hold a professional job for a number of years, honorable military service, etc) Every agency I've ever looked at working for has the same hiring standards, so it shouldn't have been a surprise for your friend.

 

It took me 3 minutes to find the requirements for the NYPD's hiring and selection, which clearly indicate that any felony conviction or any conviction of an offense which indicates lack of good moral character will result in disqualification.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/careers/application_overview.shtml

 

If your friend couldn't be bothered to do 3 minutes worth of research, then he doesn't belong anywhere near a law enforcement position.

Really? I've been alive for almost 29 years, that's almost 10,585 "overnights" that I've been through and I have not become a felon yet. But here's the thing, you don't become a felon unless you commit a felony crime.

 

:) Mr Johnclark Keyword: Is "Yet" You may not have done so now but 29 years old is still young, and especially young enough for one to make dumb decision's. I know police officer who are 40 years old getting stopped by other police officers for traffic violations. I also know some who are murderer's and are awaiting trial I.E. officer Ferguson. So please don't count the chickens before they hatch. You still have a very much of a life left.  With all due respect Officer John Clark its arrogance like yours that create's felons in the first place. Remember most felon's are very arrogant in a sense that they often feel like they can't be held accountable for certain situations. Be careful Mr Clark :) 

Really? I've been alive for almost 29 years, that's almost 10,585 "overnights" that I've been through and I have not become a felon yet. But here's the thing, you don't become a felon unless you commit a felony crime.

 

:) Mr Johnclark Keyword: Is "Yet" You may not have done so now but 29 years old is still young, and especially young enough for one to make dumb decision's. I know police officer who are 40 years old getting stopped by other police officers for traffic violations. I also know some who are murderer's and are awaiting trial I.E. officer Ferguson. So please don't count the chickens before they hatch. You still have a very much of a life left.  With all due respect Officer John Clark its arrogance like yours that create's felons in the first place. Remember most felon's are very arrogant in a sense that they often feel like they can't be held accountable for certain situations. Be careful Mr Clark :) 

 

Arrogance? I'm hardly arrogant, I'm responsible. I simply understand right from wrong, familiarized myself with the law, avoid any situations which may put me in a potentially unlawful position, keep good friends, and stay out of trouble.

 

I work as a commercial airline pilot and I've previously been hired as an Auxiliary State Trooper by the state of Florida, and as a Reserve Deputy for the third largest Sheriff's Office in the United States.

 

Both my career and my volunteer obligations require that I never be convicted of a crime, and it's really not that hard to prevent that from happening.

Both my career and my volunteer obligations require that I never be convicted of a crime, and it's really not that hard to prevent that from happening.

Is that a matter of law or a matter of fact? Is it actually not possible to get or keep an air transport license with a felony conviction, or is it just that an airline wouldn't want to keep you if you're convicted of a felony?

Is that a matter of law or a matter of fact? Is it actually not possible to get or keep an air transport license with a felony conviction, or is it just that an airline wouldn't want to keep you if you're convicted of a felony?

 

Most reputable airlines wouldn't hire you with any felony convictions. The FAA also lists a pre-requisite for obtaining the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate that a candidate must "be of good moral character". All applicants for any pilot certificate also have to specifically disclose if they've ever been convicted for violation of any Federal or State statutes relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

 

I've also heard of several instances where a pilot is convicted of something and the FAA issues an order of revocation of their ATP certificate on the basis of "good moral character".

 

The most common issue pilots face is alcohol and substance abuse problems, which the FAA also requires by law must be reported within 60 days of any conviction.

Edited September 2, 201411 yr by johnclark1102

I understand what you are saying about your friend not being given a chance to improve his life, there are opportunities for him out there it's just hard to find. I don't believe he should be given a position in law enforcement because, as you said if he isn't given a chance he will go back to committing crimes, that means there is always a chance he will commit another felony .Not a chance I would be willing to take a chance on somebody that has broken the law to enforce it. But don't let him give up I know people who are felons that have really good jobs and are doing well contributing to society.

Yeah but that's not fair at all. We have all made mistakes in life its important to move past them and better ourselves.  America has to stop being the land of discrimination. My dear friend is trying to move past it and forget about that particular life. But if he is being constantly reminded of it. He can't.  If no one will hire him or give him a chance, Then he is justified into resorting to whatever he knows in order feed himself and his family.  So if he robs your liquors stores, or holds up your bank, remember he tried to knock on the door of success and it slammed in his face.

 

 

No offense, he robs my store he will get a glock 22 to the face....

I work on a daily basis with felons, and multiple felons. Just because they have a felony does not mean their life is over, but the fact that about 90% of the ones i deal with dont care and are not willing to change kinda ruins it for the few that are... Everyone makes mistakes, but as they say "You make your bed, so you have to lay in it"

Really? I've been alive for almost 29 years, that's almost 10,585 "overnights" that I've been through and I have not become a felon yet. But here's the thing, you don't become a felon unless you commit a felony crime.

 

:) Mr Johnclark Keyword: Is "Yet" You may not have done so now but 29 years old is still young, and especially young enough for one to make dumb decision's. I know police officer who are 40 years old getting stopped by other police officers for traffic violations. I also know some who are murderer's and are awaiting trial I.E. officer Ferguson. So please don't count the chickens before they hatch. You still have a very much of a life left.  With all due respect Officer John Clark its arrogance like yours that create's felons in the first place. Remember most felon's are very arrogant in a sense that they often feel like they can't be held accountable for certain situations. Be careful Mr Clark :) 

 

 

No agency would want a felon being associated with them. If they do something wrong, it'll be "Convicted felon of the NYPD..." and the agency will look bad. No matter what you do for the department (admin, dispatch, volunteer, etc), if you work there, you are there because the public can come to you if they need help. Everyone in the department is held to the highest of standard because you are a figure of public trust whether you like it or not.

 

He'll be lucky to even get a security gig. Not all felons are dead ends, he could go to school and learn a trade that could benefit his future. But I will tell you he will never work as a civil servant (fireman, EMT, teacher, cop) because of his record.

 

Arrogance like Officer John Clark is what creates felons in the first place? No, those felons are responsible for their actions. They made themselves felons.

 

And lastly, you talk about giving people a fair chance yet you already label the officer in Ferguson a murderer while he is "awaiting trial".

I would never want a criminal, either current or past, to "protect and serve" for reasons stated above. Pretty much only adults can be convicted felons, and as an adult you have responsibility over yourself. If something goes wrong, you can only blame yourself. I don't really care what your friend did to be a felon, but it cannot be a good thing and it certainly isn't something that I'd want to see in an officer of the law. 

No offense, he robs my store he will get a glock 22 to the face....

I work on a daily basis with felons, and multiple felons. Just because they have a felony does not mean their life is over, but the fact that about 90% of the ones i deal with dont care and are not willing to change kinda ruins it for the few that are... Everyone makes mistakes, but as they say "You make your bed, so you have to lay in it"

No offense, he robs my store he will get a glock 22 to the face....

 

Wow :) I was just making a point why not help a person like him. This way you can keep your glock 22 in your holster. These young officer have literally turned enforcement into a real life GTA game wow. And im pretty sure that if a felon wants to rob you he'll be prepared your little glock 22 would have you calling for additional units in a matter of seconds felons, thugs, and gangsters have bigger guns and trust me they know how to use them. Lesson we have to learn to take a positive approach at things.

 

Good day officers stay safe and positive :)

:) Wow terrible of them. One felony conviction shouldn't hurt his chances he got out and tried to be productive that's what important. If America keeps sending felons out on the streets those same felons will resort back into that life. But hey America doesn't care that's the whole purpose jail is big business right? If there were no felons their wouldn't be any jobs for police officers huh? Wow. Lets not forget anyone can become a felon overnight. I know plenty of police officers breaking the law everyday. Outside of uniform. I am so sick Of America and its propaganda. You do the crime, you do the time is right but you can't hold a person accountable for one crime forever. Its not like he murdered someone. 

Positions such as police officer, firefighter, and many other positions that the general public have a high sense of trust in don't hire people who have a criminal history because it would look bad for the agency and hurts the reputation of their officers. And if you really do know "plenty of police officers" breaking the law everyday I suggest you report it to your local agency.

 

Yeah but that's not fair at all. We have all made mistakes in life its important to move past them and better ourselves.  America has to stop being the land of discrimination. My dear friend is trying to move past it and forget about that particular life. But if he is being constantly reminded of it. He can't.  If no one will hire him or give him a chance, Then he is justified into resorting to whatever he knows in order feed himself and his family.  So if he robs your liquors stores, or holds up your bank, remember he tried to knock on the door of success and it slammed in his face.

He should have thought about the consequences before he committed the crime. If I know something is wrong then I don't do it, simple as that. He made the choice to commit a felony. And to use that as a justification for him to commit more felonies is just more proof that he wouldn't be suitable anyway.

 

I know police officer who are 40 years old getting stopped by other police officers for traffic violations. I also know some who are murderer's and are awaiting trial I.E. officer Ferguson.

There is a HUGE difference between a felony and a non-criminal traffic violation. Also please don't spew sh*t out on the internet if you don't know what you are talking about, do some research because the officer in Ferguson has not been charged with murder.