Advice - NYPD or not?

[daltrix]

Sadly, I learned today that my employer has gone bankrupt and everyone on staff (35 people) are being let go. I was planning to leave later this spring to pursue a career in law enforcement, but this puts me in a bad position.

My problem is - I'm currently going through the hiring process for the NYPD (#748 from test 3007), but even if I'm hired the academy won't begin until July. I already have offers to work in Corrections and Probation in other states (outside NY) but both will ultimately pay less than NYPD and require relocation. I'm also worried a 3-month gap in my work history will look bad to my NYPD background investigator / oral board. The last thing I want to do is commit to something and then leave.

[singletown123]

Listen dont worry I'm applying for the NYPD and my list number is over yours and I dont think you will have a problem with any work related stuff, as long as you dont a have criminal records or arrests, you will look fine. I have a friend who works in the academy. It is other things that they may look at. As long as you dont have a troubled past, you will be ok

[cecilVA]

You mean a troubled past like yours?

[singletown123]

listen Cecil Im just trying to help

[cecilVA]

Stop trying cuz you aren't helping

[daltrix]

No skeletons in my closet or anything. Never been arrested, the most I got was a traffic ticket for "improper turn" in Florida 3 years ago. I have my Bachelor's in Criminology with a 3.4 GPA, and had 5 years working for my previous employer. Just sucks that I couldn't leave on my own terms, but I'm hopeful the NYPD won't look down on it.

[singletown123]

Dude Don't worry, You look ok to me

[Chgojock007]

Hi,

Sorry to hear your employer went belly up. I sucks when you can't leave on your own terms.

Does anyone know....If you're a student does that qualify as a job? Or is it consideded a gap in employment?

Also, what do B/I do if they don't get responses from previous employers? Will that dely your processesing? What if you don't have the exact dates that you've held certain jobs? If you only have the year is that frowned apon?

Thanks!

[ogdogg16]

In my own personal $.02, you guys are putting too much stress on work history. The NYPD is a job, and for some people it is a first job. How do they know you don't have a huge bank account and you don't even need to work? I think you should only be concerned if you have writeups, frequently quit jobs or are fired, etc. Just because your not working for 3 months because your company bit the bullet doesn't mean your not a good worker. They have to understand that you have to eat so do what you need to to get that money (as long as its legal). And like I said, if you can afford to be unemployed then I don't think that is a problem. Unless of course you are on unemployment, in which case they probably wouldn't look favorable upon that.

As far as school...They will be happier to see educated people applying then those who haven't been to school. I'd say taking off work for school is a huge plus. I myself had a a year gap in unemployment 4 years in a row for college, and that is the least of my worries!

[pattyo]

Chgojock007
As for your question about school and unemployment. If you are in school you are not unemployed. just let them know that you were in school and that should be fine. If you dont have the exact dates I would put the month. I do agree with ogdogg16 about putting too much stress on work history. The NYPD is more concerned with your criminal behavior any arrests drug use or if you have 50 unpaid parking tickets, you get the point. That is not to say that you should take everything else lightly. If you are well prepared with all the info for the investigator and fill everything out correctly that will make your life a whole lot easier.

[Chgojock007]

Hi,

If you only know the YEARS that you held certain jobs and not the DATES is that frowned upon? Does it dely your background investigation?

Thanks

[911]

"Yes or No?" NO! Everything I hear, read or discuss about NYPD is that the dept is in the toilet, low low morale, extremely low pay, dreadful working conditions, antiquated equipment and work practises, over-supervising micromanagers, etc. No.