Background Check Question

[jfanelli91]

I have already gone through the written, interview, psychological, and polygraph tests. The detective just came by my house and everything went well. I disclosed everything in my background from the very first day I applied for the test.

They know my history as a teenager and my experimenting with various drugs. I never lied and I only tried the differen drugs maybe 3 times each, and it was almost 8-10 years ago. The last time I smoked marijuana was 3-4 years ago in college. I also admitted to driving under the influence one time 8 years ago and never since. The polygraph examiner went over my test and said I passed and so did the psychologist.

I was arrested once about 3 years ago and all the charges were dropped, just a wrong place at the wrong time. I disclosed everything 14 months ago when I applied. Since I have gotten this far, is that a good sign? The detective told me that he is going to get my file to the chief of the department for his approval or disapproval. The detective also met my neighbors and was given nothing but great information. I am just very curious what you think if I will make it or not since I am this far along, but have some flags on my record.

Please advise!!

Thanks,

Jim

[HeliPilot]

Since every department's requirements are different I doubt that any officer on this forum can tell you if you will make it. From what you have written it sounds like you feel that the department may hire you. If they do then you still have other obsticles to complete such as the Police Academy, Post Academy training for the department, Field training, and probation.

In my area there are agencies who will reject you for your drug experimentation early on. There are others who will take your overall history into account and may still hire you with past drug usage.

Communicating with your background detective is generally your best resource to how you stand with the department.

[jfanelli91]

Well my meeting with the detective went very well. I had a chance to explain that the 2-3 time I tride any hard drug was only experimental and nothing more, and that it has been 8-10 years since I have tried anything other than mj which has been 3-4 years.

Since then, I am married, bought a house, have great credit and everything else. I am just wondering if most applicants that complete the process and make it to the chief, pass and get hired. I am just nervous about the chief passing me with the stupid mistakes I made years ago. Just in your opinions.

Thanks again,

Jim

[HeliPilot]

Again, I don't think anyone can answer what the Chief's interview will be like for you. My best advice will be to just be yourself with the Chief. I think most of those interviews are really about personality fit with the Chief's style of COPing. Be honest, Be sincere, be yourself.

Everyone has made mistakes, what is most important is that you are willing to take responsibility for them.

[jfanelli91]

Thanks, any info helps. It is just hard when it is 15 months of work applying for the department, lots of travel and money spent, and here I am at the end. This is a dream for me as I have a father and 2 brothers in police departments. This is a big passion of mine. I appreciate you help.

[Toeknee112]

Our department wouldn't hire you...too many applicants who don't have the excess baggage. Being married and having good credit doesn't always make up for previous indiscretions.

[TX-LEO]

You would not be considered at my department for many reasons.

[jfanelli91]

They told us on day one that it is not what you put down on the application that will get you disqualified, it is what you don't put down and hide. So I was honest and did not lie. They knew my history from day one and called me in for an interview. The interview went well and they called me in for the psych and polygraph. I passed all those too. They just sent the detective to my house and that all went great too. They interviewed my friends and neighbors (one of them is a federal agent) and got great comments. Everything on my record is great regarding work, credit and others. Just my stupid drug experimenting as a teenager. Would they keep calling me back and spending the money on me when they knew this stuff from day one? That is my question. Also I was ranked 59 out of 350 so they have one through the first 50 and and are still looking for another 30 to hire? I just want to know if I have a good chance or not. All my drug use was 3 times or less and experimental aside from mj.