Slight prior record/ unescapable past; Can I still become a police officer?

I’m interested in becoming a police officer. I’ve looked into the criminal justice program at my local college, but the adviser said she wasn’t positive if I’d pass the criminal background check they do before they allow you to be apart of the program. I’ve had one Minor in Possession back in 2006 which is a misdemeanor when I was 17. I’m now almost 21 (I’ll be 21 on September 12th). I’ve also had 5 traffic tickets (I know, horrible right? I’ve worked on it, cruise control is my friend. lol Only two speeding tickets; one for 5 over and one for 21 over. 21 over was a bad day. It was my father’s birthday who was also an officer and passed away on 8/13/09 I was really upset that day) Unfortunately, I’ve had a rocky past with my local law enforcement as well. Not because of what I’ve done but they automatically judged me because of my mother’s ex-husband who hit and almost killed an officer on purpose (I hated him when my mother married him when I was 4. I knew he was trash then). My mother and I have also had a few scuffles when I was a teenager at home. She had some mental issues but is also an extremely good and believable liar. (I love her and respect her, but it’s true.) I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt or disrespect my mother. But she was quite conniving and even used my siblings (who have mental disabilities) as her "witnesses". I’ve also experimented with hard drugs the year I was 17. I was never caught or convicted of any drug charges though. If there is to be a polygraph test, I’m more than willing to tell the absolute truth about everything in my life, past or present. My interest in becoming an officer is to protect and help the people who need it obviously, and hopefully provide guidance to people who need it as well; particularly the youth. Now that all my issues are out there, what are the chances of me becoming an officer? It’s something I’d really love to do and I believe I’d be a great officer. Please give me your opinions. Thank you.

-Chelsae M.

You’ll probably be alright if you just keep all that personal baggage thinking to yourself.Just answer what they ask you but don’t volunteer extra possibly questionable stuff.Everybody has skeletons in their closet.Just leave them there unless they come up…even then you don’t tell every detail.
What I think will matter most in your case is gonna be what you can show them you’ve been doing positive recently(or for the last few years after 17)in your life.Also,show your confidence…it’s definitely needed in this line of work.Are you thinking of the Police dept. you’ve had all the issues with?Why not somewhere else?You don’t have any big criminal issues as far as I can tell.