Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with my brother-in-law about my desire to become a LEO. He stated that he feels I want to become an officer for the wrong reason. He feels that I am addicted to authority and that I need a badge and a gun to feel important. :confused: I have no clue where the hell that even came from, but he couldn't be any more off than that.

As I understand it, part of the application process is to contact a lot of major references and essentially interview them about you. Would this reflect poorly on my background check, or will they view it as just an opinion unless that seems to be what a majority of the other references claim as well?


BTW, my brother-in-law also mentioned that he thinks that I've seen too many movies and tv shows. This is coming from a guy who wants to be CHP because one of his favorite shows is CHiPs. He's also an armed courier for a large armored vehicle service, who is apparently willing to die for money, considering he's chosen that profession. :rolleyes:

I know, I know. I'm a little bitter about it.

Thanks for your help.

As I understand it, part of the application process is to contact a lot of major references and essentially interview them about you. Would this reflect poorly on my background check, or will they view it as just an opinion unless that seems to be what a majority of the other references claim as well?

This may throw up a "red flag" is discovered by the BI, but a good investigator doesn't make a decision without all of the evidence being substantiated or determined unfounded. This may result in the BI doing a little more digging on you, but this one comment alone likely wouldn't DQ you if all other information paints a different picture.

As best you can, don't sweat the small stuff.

You may wish to avoid having those types of conversations with people ;).

Lots of cops have families who won't support them let alone are outright criminals. The BI will know how to sort things out and will weigh everything accordingly.

Your BIL sounds like a know it all wannabe who doesn't want competition in the family for glory.

Just apply and when the BI asks about your family you can explain the guy is a dumbass and you don't get along with him.

What's funny is I do get along with him...normally. However, I do think the statement about the "know it all wannabe" is probably accurate.

When doing the BI, how do they determine who they are going to call? Are you supposed to provide them with the names of 50 people or is it like network marketing where you give them three names and they ask those people for three names, etc.?

What's funny is I do get along with him...normally. However, I do think the statement about the "know it all wannabe" is probably accurate.

When doing the BI, how do they determine who they are going to call? Are you supposed to provide them with the names of 50 people or is it like network marketing where you give them three names and they ask those people for three names, etc.?

You give them references and basics like family and they ask for more from them. "Do you know anybody else we could talk to about the applicant?"

They can uncover your life and in conjunction with a polygraph on you get all the information they want or need.

Just be honest. One putz on the short branch of the family tree won't sink you.

I think the BILaw is doing what the shrinks call "projecting". Don't put him down as a reference. I'm sure when they're talking to him, the BI's will realize what an idiot he is too. If they ask, just tell them the truth about what he thinks and you think.

I'm very frustrated that he said that. Ever since he said that, he's got me thinking that I come across as being the way he stated and I just haven't realized it. No one else has ever said anything like that, but he's been a good friend for years, so it makes me wonder if he's been the only observant one or if he's just talking out of his ***.

Read your own signature, dude. He's trying to shake your confidence.

Good call.

Ignore your BIL, he's a dumbass. Only YOU know what's best for YOU. Don't let a glorified security guard give you advise about LE. He's just jealous because he can't or wouldn't make it as a cop.

I'm sure you guys are close friends, but when it comes to this he feels like he's an expert, since he does carry a gun. So don't let your friend (BIL) lead you down the wrong path & make you start second guessing yourself.

Good luck & be blessed!

...he feels like he's an expert, since he does carry a gun.


The only reason he would carry a gun as an employee of an armored car driving service (like Brink's) is to protect himself from a gunman who may try and kill him. They are not issued weapons to defend the money or anyone else. Most of them are not smart with weapons, and get off on carrying weapons, because they can't hack it as cops.