CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: CAPCom on June 14, 2019, 09:25:20 PM

Title: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: CAPCom on June 14, 2019, 09:25:20 PM
Anyone have experience with a senior member applicant who has a long-ago, brief history of troubles with the law? (this particular person has two DUIs and one arrest for probation vio on their record - all ten years ago)  If so, how did it turn out (accepted or rejected)?  Present day, they are a responsible parent, no brushes with the law since, and have held their current job for a several years.  I think this individual would be a very good senior member, but I know (and they know) it's very possible NHQ may not, given their past.  Any thoughts, advice, or suggestions?
Title: Re: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: MSG Mac on June 14, 2019, 10:56:34 PM
National may ask him/her directly for more information. If they can say or prove there has been no further incidents they should be fine. Might be referred to the Wing/CC for his recommendation.
Title: Re: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: Eclipse on June 14, 2019, 11:41:54 PM
The main thing is be 100% truthful and forthright.

The might say "yes", they might say "no", but they will find it all and lying or fudging doesn't help.
Title: Re: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: Slim on June 15, 2019, 06:07:28 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on June 14, 2019, 11:41:54 PM
The main thing is be 100% truthful and forthright.

The might say "yes", they might say "no", but they will find it all and lying or fudging doesn't help.
This, x100

I once brought a new senior into the program (father of two cadets), successful career as a paralegal at one of our area's larger law firms, etc, etc.  We were doing the interview and filling out the form 12 no problems, right up until we got to the criminal history part.  Seems he'd had a minor brush with the other side of the legal system in his youth (18 or 19 IIRC) and was convicted of aiding and abetting two of his buddies who'd called him looking for a ride after knocking over a party store.  I told him to report the conviction on the form, and to type up a letter explaining the facts of the case, mitigating factors, and the final disposition of it.  End result was that his membership was accepted without any problems.  By being up front and honest about it, and including the explanation, we had no delays or problems.

As Eclipse said, if it's in your criminal history, they will find it.  It's much better if they know it's already there.
Title: Re: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: CAPCom on June 17, 2019, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: Slim on June 15, 2019, 06:07:28 AM
...if it's in your criminal history, they will find it.  It's much better if they know it's already there.

Well, not MY criminal history (I don't have a criminal history), but theirs, yes.  :o  I know what you meant, though!  ;D
Title: Re: Senior member application and long past troubles with the law
Post by: CAPCom on June 17, 2019, 09:22:11 PM
I appreciate the thoughtful advice.  Will pass this on to the individual in question.  Thank you!