Another post by a newbie in the Backgrounds process

[Qiksvr1]

Hello to all and I am the newbie of this website. So let me give you the run down. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I started my LAPD process in May. I passed all my steps up to the Oral interview. I failed my oral interview in August and was offered another chance for another interview in November. I passed my 2ND Oral in November, and the was scheduled for my medical/2nd pat test/written psych. I passed my medical and my 2nd pat test. Since i didnt pass my oral in aug, my previous background investigator never finished her investiagtions. Due to that, I was assigned a new investigator. I talked to him on the phone about two weeks after my medical. I met with my BI last week because my last BI lost the tape to my recorded interview. So I re-took that, and handed over some paperwork that he needed. That is basically the point that I am at right now. I am soo anxious because I want to be a police officer so bad. I am a little worried about my background because a few mistakes. Here is my background info, tell me if you guys think im ok or not.

- never been arrested, and I have only recived on moving violation in 2003 for an illegal u-turn.
- Have a high school diploma(overall gpa 3.69). Didnt attend college, but went to a school and became a certified tech on pdr after high school.
- I just turned 22, I am a male, and lived at my address all my life. I live at home with y parents. I was a police explorer for 4 years, and my last three jobs I worked loss prevention (with over 250 arrest) My current job is a loss prevention manager
- I have no debt, and no monthly payments other than my cell bill and insurance. My credit score is 609, I have one open account in good standing with no late payments. I have no other open accounts, and the account in good standing has no debt owed.
- Here are the things im worried about: Last sept 05' I had a voluntary surrender for my leased car (voluntary repo) and I had to pay a $6000 difference to get out of it. Which that was all payed off, and that account is closed. I have one charge off for a previous credit card that was on my credit, but that too was paid off in 04'. That is my credit history. Now as for my jobs within the last 2 years, I have had 4 jobs including my current one. One job I was wrongfully terminated(was there 11 months), the 2nd I was let go for having a bad stop on a shoplifter and higher senority people took over my position(was there 3 months), 3rd job I quit(was there a month), and my current job I have been there for three months. I have not been disciplined for anything at any jobs such as tardy's, call outs, ect. Everyone at my current job loves me, I have already set new records with arrest.

Sorry for the super long post but those are the problems with my background. The only things I am worried about is credit, and job history. Everything else is fine. So what does everyone think? How long do you think it will take my BI. He has already told me he wants to visit my work and neighborhood soon. Is that a good sign? Any advice will help out I am going crazy over here. One more thing, I took my medical on dec 7th, I still havnt recieved a letter, but the docter told me to my face I passed. So should I call them and ask for a letter or will that piss them off? Oh and anyone know when the next academy is? Thanks to all.

[04SteveR6]

I would wait for the letter and relax, its coming. They would not D'Q you after a medical unless something happened to you. I think they overlooked the job issues because i don't think you would get past the application process if they thought you were not a worthy candidate. Enjoy the lengthy, process that makes you crazy.

[dan275]

Just sit and wait bro, expect two to four weeks between each step. It took my BI with LAPD about 6 weeks to finish and two weeks after that I got my scheduled oral psych which is this Thursday.

Your background doesn't sound that bad. I would say mine is a lot worse in other aspects and I'm nearing the end. It's all about showing you can learn from your mistakes and admitting them.

It's an elimination process, not a hiring process, trust me. However, just keep pushing and don't go stir crazy. Your chances are good right now because they're hurting bad so look at that as a positive note.

Feel free to hit me up if you have any other questions.

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

Qiksvr1,

You'll probably need to see what the Verified's say, but I personally don't see anything that would be a huge red flag.

My only concern is that you seem to take pride in your number of "arrests." As an LEO it is your job to solve community problems and maintain order. Your arrest tally does not translate into performance.

[Roger Dat]

I dont see any issues here either, but Hr has a point I know I was told by a LT not to make references to the # of apprehensions I made or call them arrests because it can tend to rub LEO the wrong way. While we do detain the individuals it is in fact the police who must still make the arrest. Other than that your background seems like it will give you a solid start. You got the car out of repo so that cancels out that negative. This is all just my honest opinion so take it for what its worth.

Bottom line all you can do is apply and see what happens. Good luck!

[Jay7376]

Your arrest tally does not translate into performance.

Tell that to my command. Very big on statistics in my department!;)

[Roger Dat]

Tell that to my command. Very big on statistics in my department!;)

I hear the same with the NYSP I used to work with alot of them when they came to pick up my shoplifters, from what I understand those numbers help determine promotions for them.

[Qiksvr1]

Thanks for everyones responses, it has relieved a little bit of tension. I am sorry if I rubbed some of you the wrong way about the whole "arrest" thing. I should have said apprehensions. But police officers make me sign their paperwork from my apprehensions, the paperwork they give me says private citizens arrest. I wasnt trying to sound like a hot shot, nor was I trying to brag. I am though, very proud of of how many people i've caught. I have caught over 250 people in just two years. A lot of people thinks its easy catching shoplifters and its actually not as easy as it sounds. The only reason why I told my oral panel was due to the fact that I had a lot of jobs in the last two years. I just wanted to show them that I was productive. But the good thing is I didnt tell my background investigator. Oh yeah, and my drug history is 100% clean, I never did a drug in my life. Once again thanks for the responses from everyone. Anymore will be greatly appreciated

[Roger Dat]

i know u werent trying to sound that way and most of us dont but it can be interpreted that way sometimes its not what you say its how you say it :D we just wanted you to tread lightly! Best of luck

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

I'm not accusing you of bragging, just advising against ever mentioning it again so you're not taken the wrong way.

[Qiksvr1]

well I do appreciate the advice HR. I once again am sorry if I am coming off the wrong way. Just wanted to say the reason why I put the numbers in my statement. But, now I know not to use it in the future because I definately see how it could turn against me. It could me make me seem like I am a "numbers" guy if that makes any sense. Oh, my neighbors came by and told me today that they got letters in the mail yesturday from my backgrounds investigator. They said that they filled out the questions about me, and mailed them off. My background investigator said he was coming to my neighborhood to talk to my neighbors. If he was doing that, why did he put letters in the mail? I guess that I live too far from LA and he isnt coming by my neighborhood, so he just sent letters. Did anyone else in the LAPD process have their neighbors get letters instead of having their background investigator visit them? Or did you have both?

[Roger Dat]

The letters will give him an idea of how well they know you and what questions to ask him, dont worry I'm sure you'll do great, its normal to stress about it god knows I sweated the whole process but enjoy the ride my mna your getting closer every day!

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

Numbers are awesome in business but not in public service.

Good luck.

[LA5150]

Did anyone else in the LAPD process have their neighbors get letters instead of having their background investigator visit them? Or did you have both?

When I processed they did both.

Not everyone returns those questionnaires, plus they like to poke around a little bit and ask questions about any bad habits your neighbors see from you (partying, having loud fights, etc).

[Qiksvr1]

Will my backgrounds investigator not pass me if say one of my referrals doesnt turn in the letter he or she receives??