OK so when I was like 19 I got stupid and stole a camera from my work, it was worth about $500.00 I felt so bad I took it back the very next day, but I DID get caught and was fired. However the cops where never involved [as far as I know] I was not convicted, not arrested, never went to cort or even talked to the police.......

five years have past and I want to be a cop, I made a mistake 5 years ago and have felt bad ever since. If there is no hope then I wont wast my time or money with police academy.

This incident would raise some eyebrows for sure. If the camera is the only thing that you have stolen, yYou might have a better chance trying to get hired by a department that requires you pass a poly. You would still have a chance with a lot of departments. Did you get caught before or after you brought the camera back?

well they knew it went missing and watched their security cameras, I think they knew before I brought it back but I wasn't confronted until after.

it WAS 5 years ago and my record is squeaky clean, [I don't even get a ticket's] I have a very hard time believing that everyone in the police force has NEVER done anything like that I mean come on they would have to give me a chance.

I have been employed ever since and never took a dime from anyone anywhere after that, that has to count for something.

You probably still have a decent shot.

every department has different policies for disqualification but I know the NYPD disqualifies for petty larceny (theft < $1000) and domestic violence charges. I would check with the department in which you want to apply