I didn't get my job in law enforcement on my first 2 applications because they needed to choose "applicants that best represent the communities they will be policing". Nothing grinds my gears more than that sort of discrimination. I doubt it was your lateness alone, if you're saying other people did the same thing. All that said, the picture I get is that you had trouble with a co-worker, kicked up a fuss about some policy, were absent a few times and were discriminated against. All those things together could lead a manager to think you might be trouble down the road. Not saying I agree, just that given the environment, it's not a great picture to paint, so early on. One thing I tell rookies that get hired with us, that I like, is that during your probationary period, you keep you head down as much as possible. Don't make any stink, don't get any complaints and don't butt heads with anyone at all. Just be a sponge for information. Once you're done the probation, then you can get your hands a little dirty in the politics. Superiors really dislike being told they are wrong, especially by the newbie. Good luck in the future, though.