According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), an estimated 6.1 million adults in the United States have a felony conviction on their record. That’s nearly 1 in every 40 adults. With so many affected, it’s only natural that a critical question arises: Can a felon become a police officer? The short answer? It depends—on the state, the nature of the crime, and whether the record has been expunged or pardoned.
What Defines a Felon in the U.S.?
A felony is the most serious category of crime under U.S. law, defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as any offense punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, and grand theft.
However, not all felonies carry the same weight—some are violent, while others are non-violent or fall under white-collar crime. This distinction matters greatly, as the severity and nature of a felony significantly influence whether someone with such a record could be considered eligible to become a police officer.
Basic Eligibility to Become a Police Officer
Before diving into whether felons can join the force, let’s look at the standard requirements across most police departments in the U.S.:
- Minimum age: Usually 21
- U.S. Citizenship: Required in all states
- High school diploma or GED
- Clean criminal record (ideally)
- Valid driver’s license
- Psychological and physical fitness
- Completion of police academy training
Most agencies require a thorough background check, which includes fingerprinting, interviews, and polygraph tests. And yes—criminal history is one of the top dealbreakers.
Federal Laws on Felons Becoming Cops
At the federal level, there’s no universal law explicitly banning all felons from becoming police officers. However, there are federal firearm laws that complicate things.
Under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g), felons are prohibited from possessing firearms. Since almost every police officer must carry a firearm, this law becomes a major roadblock.
Bottom line:
You can’t serve as a police officer in most jurisdictions if you’re not allowed to carry a gun, unless:
- You receive a pardon from the governor or president
- You get your rights restored through expungement or clemency
State-by-State Rules for Felons Becoming Police Officers
Each U.S. state has its own POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Commission or similar certification body.
States That Prohibit Felons from Becoming Police Officers (No Exceptions)
- California: Permanent disqualification
- Texas: Lifetime ban unless pardoned
- Florida: Must have full civil rights restored
- New York: Absolute bar without a governor’s pardon
- Illinois: Felony = disqualified from law enforcement roles
States That Allow Felons With Conditions
- Colorado: Case-by-case; depends on expungement
- Ohio: Must be sealed/expunged; violent felonies are usually disqualifying
- Nevada: Needs full rights restoration
- Georgia: Some non-violent felons with pardons may qualify
- Michigan: Expunged felony might be acceptable
Always check the website of your state’s POST Commission for the most up-to-date rules.
Can Expunged Felons Become Police Officers?
Yes, in some states. Expungement means your felony record is sealed or erased from public view.
Here’s what matters:
- Was the crime violent or non-violent?
- Was it a single incident or a pattern of criminal behavior?
- Did the expungement come with restoration of firearm rights?
- How long has it been since the conviction?
For instance:
In Ohio, a non-violent felony that was expunged after 10 years may not prevent someone from becoming a police officer—if firearm rights are restored.
Military Veterans With Felonies: Can They Join the Police?
Surprisingly, some veterans with felony convictions may stand a better chance. Here’s why:
- Public support for rehabilitated veterans is high
- Many states have special waivers for veteran hiring
- If you were honorably discharged, some departments will consider your service
Still, federal firearm restrictions will apply unless rights are restored.
Juvenile Felonies and Law Enforcement Careers
Were you convicted of a felony as a juvenile? You might still have hope.
- Most departments treat juvenile records differently
- Some allow sealed juvenile felonies to be excluded from background checks
- If the record was expunged, many agencies will not count it
In North Carolina, a juvenile who committed burglary at age 15 but had the record expunged at 18 may still be eligible to apply for police academy at 21.
More Opportunities: Can a Felon Join the Military?
Famous Cases: Felons Who Tried to Become Cops
1. Emanuel Mitchell – Ohio
Convicted of drug trafficking at 19, Emanuel turned his life around, earned a master’s degree in criminal justice, and applied to become a corrections officer. He was rejected due to his felony. After public pressure, his record was expunged and he now works in community law enforcement.
2. John K. – Florida
John was convicted of grand theft at 20. Years later, after becoming a youth mentor and completing social work training, he applied to become a school resource officer. Denied due to felony record, despite public support and character references.
What the Public Thinks: Trust vs. Second Chances
According to a 2023 Gallup survey:
- 58% of Americans believe non-violent felons should have a second chance in careers, including public service
- 71% said they would support hiring reformed felons if their crimes were committed more than 10 years ago
- Only 32% trusted someone with a violent felony to become a police officer
👥 Public perception is mixed—but leaning toward redemption.
How a Felon Can Increase Their Chances?
If you’re a felon and still dreaming of becoming a cop, here’s how to make it more possible:
- Get your record expunged or sealed
- Pursue a pardon from your state’s governor
- Restore firearm rights legally
- Volunteer in community policing efforts
- Get a criminal justice degree
- Stay crime-free for at least 10 years
- Work with a legal expert or expungement attorney
- Contact your state POST Commission for options
Final Thought
While becoming a police officer with a felony conviction is difficult, it’s not always impossible. State laws, the type of felony, and whether your record has been expunged or your rights restored all play a critical role. If you’re serious about a law enforcement career, taking legal steps to clear your record, building community trust, and staying on a clean path can open doors—especially in states with more flexible policies. It’s a long road, but for some, redemption and a second chance in uniform are still within reach.
FAQs
Can a felon join the FBI or federal law enforcement?
No. The FBI requires a completely clean criminal record.
Can felons become security guards?
Yes, in some states—if the felony was non-violent and your record is cleared or pardoned.
Do all states allow firearm rights restoration?
No. Some states—like California—make it nearly impossible
What about misdemeanor convictions?
Most departments allow misdemeanors, but domestic violence is often disqualifying.
