Trying to be nypd, but have one problem...

[nyccoptobe]

Hey ppl. I am a guy from Brooklyn who has just taken the written test for NYPD. I have had my mind set on joining the force for a while now. I have never really been in trouble. I recieved a summons for fare evasion when i was in high school, but that is it. My one problem, however, is that i have had, and continue to have financial problems. I have had overdue debts, even one that may take me to court. It has been hard trying to get everything straight when all i had was a part time job. I know that if i could get a full time job (like PD), then i would have no problem paying it all off, but as of right now, i am worried that this will cause a serious problem for me in getting accepted to the NYPD.

Has anyone had any problems with this or know how financial difficulties could affect an applicant? Please let me know and thank you in advance for your input.

NYCCOPTOBE

[Somebody]

Financial responsibility is a definate factor in the background. You have options, although I am not sure which apply to you, or where you live. The BEST thing to do is to call a BI at NYPD, explain your situation and seek advice. Granted, NYPD is a big agency, so I am not even sure if that is a reasonable request.

[sgtbear111]

It can hurt your chances. Some things to consider from the employer's point of view: 1) a debt gone to collection is an unkept responsibility, 2) could you be swayed in an official decision because of a debt issue? 3) an employer doesnt like having garnishment papers served on them, 4) bad debts are one of those "character" and "maturity" things that may be a DQ or an otherwise good applicant.

Get some credit counseling from a reputable provider. Ask a banker or teacher in the business/economics area. Dont go to one who wants to sell you something, to sign another contract, or promises you money back - it's BS. When someone wants to sell you something walk away and keep walking. Ask yourself if you NEED it, or you just WANT it. Did you want it before the salesclerk applied the sales pitch? Dont sign anymore time purchase contracts, your low credit score can get you into 20 percent or more interest per year if your state allows that. If you have a job, have money set side in a savings or investment plan before you get your check. If malls are your thing, find another place to hang out where there are no stores. Those debts are yours and you have to pay them off. They may be written off as uncollectable, the collection service will go away but that bad record stays on your credit history. Get a fresh copy of your credit report and contact each one that you owe. Make an agreement to pay them off, and keep the promises you make. Most creditors can adjust, but usually only one chance is given, then it's court. A judgement or liens placed against you is not good either. When you correspond with creditors and make payments keep an accurate record and copies of all letters, receipts, etc. Get the name of each person you contact with date and time. Keep these records for several years after. Some businesses do not keep good records, so you must. When you pay off a debt, ensure the record is corrected - you earned it. It will take some time, but sooner is better. When you can show a prospective employer that you are dealing with it, things should improve. Good luck.

[mcsap]

If you can't get a full time job , how about 2 part time jobs ? There has to be some work you can do in the big city ? If you can't work your way out of this without using the method of " if I get hired I could pay my debts off" , than you won't likely get the job you seek. Get busy getting to work, quit going out to eat, the movies, dump cable or satellite tv etc whatever it takes to get your financial house in order.

And check out DaveRamsey.com for good solid financial advice.

[Jcrazy]

Credit history is one of those things that every department I have ever been to made a big deal about. It is one of the things that I think kept me from getting in when I first started to apply. (my first wife killed my credit). I finally went out and got a loan to consolidate all my bills and pay off what was in collections. (I hade things in collections that I didn't even know about) Get copies of your credit report from the credit agencies and see what is on it. My credit is in great shape now. The most important thing to remember is not to use the credit cards again or you will put yourself right back where you were and still have to pay back the consolidation loan. It takes a lot of work to fix messed up credit but it can be done if you work at it. Good luck.