I would have to say that all counties have different guidelines to follow. I recently talked to a State Trooper, questioning him the process because my husband has put alot of thought into Police Academy, and he told me that their applications are submitted electronically, states can no longer hire the "old boy way." But he didn't mention that State Law Enforcement is harder to get into with a fresh conviction. He didn't comment much on county/city hires, but judging from the people who are officers, I would have to say they are much more lenient as far as convictions/criminal history. I could be wrong and this very well could differ, state by state.