Automatic Disqualifiers

Automatic Disqualifiers

According to the District Personnel Manual (DPM), a candidate is ineligible to become a police officer if the candidate has done any of the following:


a. Engaged in any conduct which would constitute a felony in the District of Columbia, whether or not the conduct resulted in the arrest of the candidate or the filing of criminal charges;
b. Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been given probation before judgment for any misdemeanor, or any offense in any other state, territory, or country which would be a misdemeanor if committed in the District of Columbia, when the misdemeanor involves:

  1.  Violence, including, but not limited to, an intrafamily offense; simple assault; violence toward the aged, a spouse, incompetent persons, or children; or threats of violence;
  2. Perjury or falsification, including the making of false reports of crimes, or falsification of official documents;
  3. Sexual offenses, including, but not limited to, indecent exposure; promoting, procuring, compelling, soliciting or engaging in prostitution; corrupting minors (sexual relations with children); molesting; voyeurism (peeping tom); committing sex acts in public; incest; and sexual battery;
  4. Any offense involving violations of the civil rights of any person under the Constitution or laws of the US or any state or territory;
  5. Any theft committed after reaching the age of 18;
  6. Illegal possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of any controlled substance;
  7. Driving under the influence (DUI) of any controlled substance used illegally;
  8. Any offense involving the possession or use of a firearm; or
  9. Any bias-related crime.

c. Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been given probation before judgment for driving while intoxicated from alcohol on any single occasion within five (5) years prior to application, or two (2) or more times at any time prior to application;
d. Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been placed on probation before judgment for manslaughter (negligent homicide), hit and run with injury, or fleeing and eluding police;
e. Exhibited an unacceptable driving record within five (5) years of application, as evidenced by, but not limited to:

  1. Two (2) or more negligent collisions;
  2. Suspension for moving violations;
  3. Revocation; or
  4. Operating after suspension or revocation.

f. Received three (3) or more adjudicated and sustained tickets for moving violations within the twelve-month (12-month) period prior to application;
g. Been dishonorably discharged from military service;
h. While in the military, engaged in any conduct which would constitute a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor in the District of Columbia;
i. Is on parole or probation for any criminal offense, or is pending final disposition on a criminal charge;
j. Been discharged from civilian employment two (2) or more time within five (5) years prior to application due to disciplinary action;
k.Been terminated or forced to resign from any commissioned or recruit/probationary position with a law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons; or resigned from a law enforcement agency to avoid potential or proposed adverse disciplinary action or termination;
l. Is receiving a disability retirement allowance from any law enforcement agency;
m. Knowingly made any false statement or falsified any document concerning any matter;
n. Knowingly made any false statement or been deceptive by statement or omission in the written police application or in any part of the police entry-level selection process;
o. Refused to submit to a truth verification test as part of the pre-employment process; or
p. Demonstrated a history of personality and/or mental disorders as determined by the MPD Police and Fire Clinic; been a patient in a mental institution for personality or mental disorders; or received treatment as an out-patient for personality or mental disorders.

Marijuana & Adderall Disqualifiers:

MPD maintains the following standards from time of application: Any marijuana use in the last three (3) months, non-prescribed Adderall usage within two (2) years, or any other illegal drug use, including illegal prescription use, in the last five (5) years.