Life History

[manjoyten85]

Is the RCMP pretty forgiving when it comes to skeletons in your closet? From info sessions, they stated how they knew that everyone has done things that they wish they could take back, and most people have smoked pot, for example (well, I know not everyone). Are they pretty forgiving as long as you fess up to it? I mean, all the bad things I've done have been in my teens, but still. I don't have a criminal record, but I have done things in my past that I'm not proud of. Just wondering if anyone knows how they look at it. I mean, I know it's a case by case basis, but I'm interested. That being said, can people who actually have a criminal record be hired? I've noticed in the package that it asks this.

[scott]

You absolutely can not have a criminal record and be hired as a police officer. If someone does have a record and they want to apply, they have to be pardoned. The process for a pardon takes quite a while from what I've heard, over a year, possibly two (someone asked at the info session).

[Honcher]

But what about an anw\swer to his question?

[chilipalmer]

I would say that there is no definite answer to this question, there's too many variables and unknowns. I've done bad things in life and I have disclosed everything on the polygraph exam. After I walked out of there, I was sure that the process for me would be ending there. But, three weeks later I got the call and I passed. For me that really proved that they value honesty above all, and they are not just saying that in the pamphlet. My personal advice to you would be not to hide anything.

And you can get hired with a criminal record only if you obtain a pardon.

So, they were obviously pretty forgiving of my skeletons, or I wouldn't get this far. Like I said, I laid all my cards out on the table. With regards to your own indiscretions that will be between you and them. I don't think there is a more concrete answer to your question. You've said it yourself, it's on a case by case basis.

[manjoyten85]

Thanks. I haven't really done anything that many teens have not done themselves - not that this is an excuse - but I was just wondering if the RCMP's standards were really high on having an extremely clean slate. Again, I have no record, other than the fact that a couple of times in High school and University I succumbed to pear pressure.