Recruitment Officers Question - Background

[Kfosterpb]

This question is directed to Recruitment Officers. I am currently in the application process to attend a police academy in Florida. My plan is to self fund my training and not seek agency financial support. I would appreciate your advice regarding my chances of actually being hired when I successfully complete the Academy and the state-licensing exam.

For background information, I’m seeking a second career at the ripe age of 53.1. I am semi-retired due to the economy and having been laid off twice in the past two years. I have been forced to file early for benefits from the Florida State Retirement System and currently serve as a substitute teacher to keep myself busy. I have been a six-figure income executive for the past decade and a two term elected official in one of the state’s largest counties. I have held senior management positions for the past twenty years. I’m an Air Force Veteran and licensed pilot.

Although I have been encouraged by LE friends and family members to consider a career in LE and I am very interested in pursuing this career change, my current financial situation makes the prospect difficult. Due to being laid off twice and unemployed for more than sixteen months, I was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early 2008 and divorced due to my former wife’s desire to maintain her quality of life with her own income. I have begun the recover process and have obtained new credit and have advance my credit score accordingly. I fully comprehend the concern agencies have regarding individuals that have gone through this process, but after twenty-five years of financial responsibility and excellent employment history prior to bankruptcy, is it your opinion that I might be able to over come this significant obstacle?

As a footnote, I am physically capable of handling the difficult training and have excellent personal references on my application, including the Sheriff and one of the largest agencies in the state and the President of the Florida State Senate.

Thank you in advance for your time.

[SnapShawt]

The credit issues sound fine to me. Granted, bankruptcy is never good. However, agencies are much more forgiving about this than some will lead you to believe, especially in current times. You took a necessary step, which sometimes is what bankruptcy is for. You've taken steps to regain your footing and establish credit-worthiness. I say apply and see what they say.

Credit issues related to legitimate problems are common, and agencies understand this. If they see a history or bankruptcy resulting from irresponsible spending and not paying bills on time like charges for luxury types of things, then of course they'll be VERY critical about it and it would probably knock one out of the process. However, if it has resulted from medical bills or other things beyond your control, that's another story.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

If you complete the academy and obtain Florida certification, the issue is whether or not any agencies are hiring or not. Realize you'll be competing against a number of other candidates who will be in the same boat you are. At 53, expect to be competing against mostly younger applicants.

None of this is said to get you down or disparage your life experience, but to raise your awareness that it will be a tough row to hoe for you.

Good luck and thank you for your sevice to our country.

[Kfosterpb]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for your prompt response. I appreciate your encouraging words…and yes your fair warning about the competition. I’m excited about the new challenge and continuing my more than twenty years of public service.

[Roger Dat]

See if you can get a ride along or two before you decide. Many people including my father who worked in LE almost 30 years often say its a young mans game.

Not saying you cant do it and be successful at 53 but the challenges are going to be tougher.

[manahmanah]

And you'll probably have an FTO young enough to be your son or daughter chewing your ***! :D If you do decide to pursue it, remember, DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!