Overview: Domestic Violence Is One of the Strictest Disqualifiers in Policing
Domestic violence is treated more seriously than almost any other issue in police hiring. A single conviction — even a misdemeanor — will permanently disqualify you from becoming a police officer in the United States. This is because federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a qualifying domestic violence offense from possessing a firearm. Since police officers must carry a firearm, applicants with DV-related offenses are immediately removed from consideration.
Federal Law: The Lautenberg Amendment
The 1996 Lautenberg Amendment makes it illegal for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to possess firearms or ammunition. This applies even if the offense was pled down or occurred many years ago.
What Counts as a Domestic Violence Offense
Domestic violence offenses typically involve:
- Physical assault
- Threats of violence
- Intimidation or coercion
- Harassment or stalking
- Violence or threats toward family or household members
Domestic Violence Arrests Without Conviction
Even without a conviction, many agencies will disqualify candidates who:
- Were arrested for domestic violence
- Had a restraining order or protective order filed against them
- Have repeated documented domestic incidents
Agencies consider these major character concerns that relate directly to public safety.
Witness Statements and Past Relationships
Background investigators may contact former partners. Past incidents of:
- Verbal abuse
- Controlling behavior
- Threatening actions
- Intimidation
may be enough to disqualify a candidate, even if no police report was filed.
Patterns of Anger or Control Issues
Psych examiners and investigators look closely for:
- Impulse control problems
- Anger management concerns
- History of volatile relationships
- Jealous or possessive behavior
Is There Any Way to Overcome a Domestic Violence Issue?
In almost all cases the answer is no. A DV conviction is a permanent disqualifier. Non-conviction issues may be reviewed case by case but are still extremely serious.
Final Thoughts
Domestic violence is one of the clearest and strictest disqualifiers in policing. Because police officers are entrusted with weapons and authority, agencies cannot risk hiring someone with a history of violence or threats in personal relationships. If you have any DV history, speak honestly with a background investigator to understand your options.