text: can a former 'criminal' pursue a career in law enforcement?maybe a 'mentor' type training @ san diego area? i am a 33 year old white female with a high school diploma and 3.5 years of college credits. i would like to live the rest of my life on the right side of the law, and hopefully make up for the time i've spent on the 'other' side. i am particularly interested in crime scene analysis, prevention of crimes against children (including children in meth danger), crimes involving human trafficking, and assisting l.e. officers with difficult or 'cold' cases by incorporating my street knowledge with my ability to analyze criminal thinking.  i have never been convicted of a felony and i have only minor drug (meth) charges on my record. i am on the lowest level of probation until 2008 and i have not been arrested since 2003 on a f.t.a. warrant. prior to that,i had no police contact since 2001. bless you for even asking.  can you do it?  perhaps.  you have no felony convictions, so you are not automatically prohibited from a number of positions.    crime scene analysis?  probably not.  you're talking about working for a law enforcement agency, and i would think the chances of working for a agency while you're on probation are about slim and none.  preventing crimes against children?  very possible, though probably not within the criminal justice arena.  many private organizations do things like this, and you are uniquely qualified for a position in this field.    human trafficking?  again, probably not within the criminal justice arena.  want to help out?  it's always possible.  probably not as an employee, though...certainly not while on probation.  we can talk more, if you'd like...drop me a note at my user name at yahoo.com.    seriously...bless you for wanting to do something.  i especially would like to see you get involved in preventing crimes against children, and you can certainly involve yourself in that field without having to work with or for a law enforcement agency.    wonderful drug that meth is, huh?  sounds like it made a mess of your life...it would truly be wonderful if you can find a place in the world where you could help make things better.  good luck...write if you think i can offer more.