Hey /out/

I am hoping someone can help me with a question. I am wanting to join my local ESAR (Explorer Search and Rescue) program, but i have a few black marks on my record. I know they do a background check through the department of emergency management, what i was told anyway by the local organization leader anyway. The way it was described to me in my orientation was "if you have ever been in the back of a cop car, for anything other than a ride along, you wont get in". That seems a bit outrageous to me, but how much truth is there too it? I really want to join, but i dont want to waste my weekends and money if im going to get denied.

Thanks for the help sirs/maddams.