I was wondering the chances of becoming a police officer if I have a gross misdemeanor on my record? It is for a DUI about 5 years ago. I will most likely be applying in the state of WI. Anybody have any details?

You probably won't be automatically disqualified. The DUI will hurt your chances though.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, police applicants shall not have been convicted of any federal felony or of any offense which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon. Applicants for employment as a law enforcement officer shall not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon. Applicants shall be of good character as determined from a written report containing the results of the following:

The fingerprinting of the applicant with a search of local, state and national fingerprint records.

A background investigation conducted by or on behalf of an employer.

Other investigations as may be deemed necessary to provide a basis of judgment on the applicant’s loyalty to the United States or to detect conditions which adversely affect performance of one’s duty as a law enforcement.

So, you could probably still become a police officer, but there is a lot of competition for law enforcement officer jobs. You will be competing with many other applicants that don't have records!

Keep a positive attitude! Don't give up! If you want it bad enough, you can become a cop someday Everyone makes mistakes