background check

[taylor]

i am applying and taking the written test soon but i have a bankrutcy will that disqualify me?

[Stump]

It depends on the department. From what I hear (I don't have any credit problem, luckily), if you are making any attempt at rectifying the situation, it helps your case a lot. Call and ask. Remain anonymous if you want.

[tommc]

How long ago did you file for bankruptcy?

[Charlie]

As noted, depends upon WHO you apply with for a job. AND, the totality of the circumstances surrounding your bankruptcy.

Law enforcement agency hiring standards and qualifications often vary from one department to the next. As suggested, why not call the agency you want to apply with and ask a recruiter anonymously?

--
Charlie

[Bradleyadleo]

Originally posted by taylor
i am applying and taking the written test soon but i have a bankrutcy will that disqualify me?

The agency I did my internship with wasn't so much concered with the applicants credit as long as it wasn't a reoccuring problem. With the proper training to be a police officer I can't imagine they would turn you a way on a bad past credit. Some agencies can't afford to turn down applicants on such a minor technicality.

[Darin]

Originally posted by Bradleyadleo
Some agencies can't afford to turn down applicants on such a minor technicality.

Bankruptcy is not a minor technicality. It can mean a serious lack of finacial responsibility. It can also mean some bad luck or unexpected medical emergency. A bankruptcy doesn't mean an automatic DQ but you will have to explain at length and provide some documentation as to why it happened and how you solved the problem.

Good luck.

[Bradleyadleo]

Originally posted by Darin
Bankruptcy is not a minor technicality.

For some agencies bankruptcy is not as significant. You have to realise that not all departments can turn away people who are qualified to do the job. Some places take a qualified applicant in a heart beat.

[Stump]

Bradley,
This isn't just "bad credit" though. This is a bankruptcy, which in some cases, the money owed is forgiven.
There is a HUGE difference, hon.
A bankruptcy indicates a recurring problem. You normally don't just file for it if you are behind on one bill.

[Darin]

Originally posted by Bradleyadleo
Some places take a qualified applicant in a heart beat.

They key word being "qualified" applicant. It's true that every dept. is different and most agencied will take it on a case by case basis.

[Bradleyadleo]

Originally posted by Darin
most agencies will take it on a case by case basis.

It was never my arguement that bankruptcy is passed off everywhere. Where at one agency its a minor technicality, at another it could be the difference between employed or unemployed

[tommc]

I think Brad is right. I know in the department I got hired by, they would rather have someone take the legal approach and file bankruptcy, then to quit paying their bills and be stuck with a bunch of late and/or no payments. As long as some time has passed and proven good credit since, that should be sufficient.