Wondering

[welcome]

My credit has been bad, so i signed up for debt consolidation, Do you know anybody that wasn't hired because of past credit problems? Second ? My father has a criminal past would that stop ME from becoming a police officer? third ? How did you answer the ? "why do you want to become a police oficer" Thanks for your time!

[Charlie]

welcome--Let me render an opinion on each of your questions for consideration:

* Question concerning debt consolidation and getting hired - It will depend upon two things: 1) WHO are you applying with and their qualifications/standards? and, 2) What are the circumstances concerning your "bad credit" rating? Being in debt is not against the law. (I know of few cops who don't have any bills!) BUT, a lot of departments look at credit ratings as part of an individual's application package. Commonly, credit reports MAY be viewed as one part of a measuring source indicating an applicant's level of responsibility to pay their debts. Some departments also theorize that if an aplicant has bad credit and they're hired with the department, they MAY be more at risk of participating in unlawful activity.

* Generally speaking, you're the one applying for the job, not your father. Your overall qualifications are being looked at for the position. However, you may be asked about your father's past criminal history if it somehow relates to your application in some legitimate way. I know of a cop who was hired and his father is currently doing time in the Louisiana State Pen for murder. Hope that might help answer your question.....

* The classic, "Why do you want to become a police officer?" That's an answer you have to formulate on your own. Since you have the down time, why not sit down and think about an answer to that question? Perhaps consider putting it down on paper and make a list of the reasons why you want to do the job? Make sure the answers come from YOUR heart and mind. There is no "magic" answer. Sit down and think about this and come up with your own honest answer.

Good luck.

Charlie