Chances of being successfully hired after being late to the Academy.
Hey all,
For context, I was hired at a local agency at the end of 2024 with an Academy start in January of ‘25. I intended to be early so I could coordinate with my classmates and get ourselves organized, but I ended up being ~30-45 minutes late for the start of the Academy. I was sent home shortly after and terminated the next day, but was told I could reapply and was able to apply elsewhere. I have applied to 8 different agencies in the state since then and have failed the interview stage (where I'd assume they see my disclosure of that situation). After talking to the original department to see if I could be rehired, they told me I am “ineligible for rehire.” It's something I have realized was a huge mistake and haven't fully been able to get over, but I've improved upon it. How bad is this, and how much will it tarnish my background/ my chances of getting hired elsewhere? I still want to pursue a career in law enforcement, but I feel I've written myself off. Is there anything I can do to help my chances/ make it less of a scar on my record?
Thanks.