As you embark on your law enforcement career journey, having a clean record is crucial to achieving your goal of becoming an officer or working in other positions. However, expunged records are a grey area for many who are unclear about how they may impact their profession. In this blog post, we discuss whether expunged records can affect a law enforcement career, and if so, how and to what extent they do.

What does expungement mean?

Expungement refers to the legally authorized process of sealing arrest or conviction records. When a record is expunged, it is no longer accessible to the general public, and in most cases, the person with the expunged record can legally claim not to have been arrested or convicted. However, the record is not deleted entirely and can still be accessed by government agencies, courts, and law enforcement agencies under certain circumstances.

Expunged Records and Law Enforcement Careers

When pursuing a law enforcement career, positions such as police officers, detectives, and criminal investigators require a thorough background check to ensure that potential employees are of sound moral character and suitable for the job. This process may involve scrutinizing your credit report, conducting drug tests, speaking with references, and obtaining a criminal history report.

Expunged records are generally elusive during the application process. However, law enforcement agencies have access to information that is not available to the general public, which means they can potentially uncover expunged records.

Impact of Expunged Records on Different Aspects of Law Enforcement Career

Application Process:

If required in the application, be honest about your expunged record; attempting to deceive the hiring authority can result in disqualification. Some agencies may allow applicants with expunged records if the offense was not a felony or violent crime, while others may have stringent standards that disqualify candidates with any offenses regardless of their nature or expungement status.

Training and Job Assigned:

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your expunged record, it could impact the type of job assigned to you or the training received. For example, if your expunged offense involved the use of firearms or narcotics trafficking, it could prevent you from working in specialized divisions.

Security Clearance:

Expunged records can also impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. Depending on the nature of your expunged offense, a security clearance could be denied, impacting your eligibility for certain federal jobs. Disclose your expunged record during the security clearance process to ensure transparency and avoid future consequences.

Ways to Improve Chances of Employability

Seek Legal Advice:

Consult a lawyer who specializes in expungement to confirm that your offense is eligible for expungement and understand the potential consequences that may arise during your law enforcement career.

Invest in Education and Skill Development:

Demonstrating commitment to your field by acquiring relevant degrees or certifications can strengthen your application, helping to mitigate the impact of an expunged record.

Community Involvement:

Participation in community-driven activities showcases your dedication to serving and protecting, which can be beneficial during interviews and background checks.

Honest Disclosure in Documentation and Interviews:

Being open and honest about your expunged record could help build trust with the potential employer and create an opportunity for you to explain the circumstances, countering any potential adverse effects on your career.

In summary, while expunged records may have some impact on your law enforcement career, being honest, acquiring relevant skills, and actively participating in community service may help improve your prospects. It is essential to understand the specific requirements of the law enforcement agency you are applying to, as these requirements can differ significantly. Take time to research standards, and consult with legal professionals if you believe your expunged record may be a barrier to your law enforcement career.