Important Recruitment Question

[okc35]

Applying to become a police officer. Have a four year BA in criminal justice. Graduated with honors. Work loss prevention. I have no history of arrests and have never used drugs. The only thing that I have done is download music and videos. Is this something that will disqualify me from becoming a police officer? Should I contact the recruitment officer and see if this is something that will disqualify me?

[retdetsgt]

I doubt it will be a huge problem. You don't still do it, do you?

[okc35]

the last time i downloaded music was 5 or six years ago. downloaded a tv show episode more recently but never stored it onto my computer.... very embarrassed about this.... would hate to think that this would be the thing that would prevent me from getting my dream job... will it?

[Kimble]

Applying to become a police officer. Have a four year BA in criminal justice. Graduated with honors. Work loss prevention. I have no history of arrests and have never used drugs. The only thing that I have done is download music and videos. Is this something that will disqualify me from becoming a police officer? Should I contact the recruitment officer and see if this is something that will disqualify me?

You should understand that downloading music, in itself is not illegal. It's if you download copyrighted material without paying for it (which is what I assume you've done) that's illegal, you can download music you pay for (or that's offered for free legitimately) all you want.

If you downloaded copyrighted music illegally (without paying) then you need to fess up on any background questionnaires when they ask about stealing. Like retdetsgt said, probably not the end of the world if you didn't download thousands of dollars worth, or if you're not still doing it, but come clean on it nonetheless.

[okc35]

thanks for the info guys it is greatly appreciated.... the test i am scheduled for is several states away.... should i notify the recruitment officer before going any further?

[Kimble]

thanks for the info guys it is greatly appreciated.... the test i am scheduled for is several states away.... should i notify the recruitment officer before going any further?

The process is structured and organized a certain way, at the appropriate time the agency will have you fill out some sort of background questionnaire. Fill it out fully and truthfully. You could call the recruiter now if it's weighing on you, but it's not necessary to do so.