Question to Background Investigators..

[TonySeattle]

If a candidate has excellent refs, great job history, a good educational/academic history, has added value things like being a 11 years of Military service, being a Black Belt, a Microsoft Certified Professional and Certified Trainer, years of teaching/lecturing exp. 15 years of Management exp., having a Adv Scuba Diving Cert., Motorcycle Lic., is a former EMT and has a EVOC cert. and has done very well on the written, physical and oral board (enough to place #1 on a local registry), but has had credit issues, collections only and some driving lic. issues, 2-3 susp/FTAs but no revocs... can they ever become a Sworn Officer??? I really want to become a Police Officer and this means a lot to me.. Should I give up?

Really hoping to Protect and Serve!
cpugeek@hotmail.com

[DepDog]

Usually having suspended license is a prerequsite when applying at Flint PD, just kidding Jason. :D

If all the things you say are true, I don't think there should be much of a problem with you, as long as you are not currently driving on a suspended license.

I'm sure the Dept. you are applying for will ask you why you were suspended, but not that big of a deal in my opinion.

I'm not sure on the Credit issues, but I also don't think its that major.

[lprocter]

In Ontario, one of the requirements is that you cannot have more than 6 demerit points on your licence. If you have more, you're not going to be hired. So for you, if the force you're applying to has similar standards, then the licence thing may come into play, especially in deciding between one guy or another. However, do not give up. If you want it bad enough, you will become a cop. Also, agencies like officers to be persistent, and to finish what they start.Quitters don't become cops.

[TonySeattle]

I am feeling a bit better, although I am considering moving if needed to get hired. Would a new State be a possible solution? I know that they would send for my current driving record, but since it is not their State maybe it would not be such a factor. And of course I am taking steps to clean up what I can off of my credit report. Some companies won't remove items despite you taking care of the issues. And I would attend an Academy on my own or through a College or University, hoping to make myself more attractive as a candidate.. But WA State does not have such a program.

Thanks again!!

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

[jas77]

I just moved to Florida where I am applying, and the Backround Invest. wanted my driving record from the previous state I lived in.

As for attending an academy on your own, I believe you can do that here in Florida.

[tommygenewoolworth]

Tony Seattle

Appears you have an excellent background ........ You asked about the Credit if it will hurt your chances. Many agencies evaluate "suitability" by reviewing your credit history. Departments will have different criteria on credit. an example, if your credit history shows you have numerous accounts with slow or no pay over 90 days, many departments will evaluate this as a dependable issue. Many departments will not hold credit against you.

Remember most background interviews do not evaluate as a "CHOIR BOY", but if you can explain your credit concerns, in most circumstances, you will be OK!!

tomahawk134

[TonySeattle]

Gentlemen,

Thank you, one and all for your responses to my question and your advice!

Unfor. my credit issues and tickets did kill me for the last
department I tested with. Although they were really trying to get me hired! I appreciated their desire to have me as part of their
department! It was also great being place in the number one position on the registry on my second attempt at becoming a LEO. I am studying hard and will continue to test here and other states until I am hired!

I have made this a holy quest and will some day join the ranks of
those who serve and protect! And have a new found respect for future repercussions for current choices!! I have considered sending a copy of my credit report/driving history as part of my application package with hopes that if I am invited to test it is because this issues will be taken in account and if I make it to the background check again I should feel fairly confident that I have a real chance of being hired!


BTW: FTAs were not arrest issues, or driving while susp; just failure to pay, no accidents and only 1 ticket in the past 7 years. 3-4 tickets bet '93-95 -2 speeding. The automatic administrative several DMV entries makes the history look bad. The collection issues have not been resolved although I will, as soon as I am hire begin to work on them in earnest! And of course.. I am willing to move to any state to get hired and begin my journey!!

Hoping to Protect and Serve!

P.S. I have looked into Law Enforcement on Reservations too, hearing from a friend that they might be in a hiring mode.

Tony

[Trooper #327]

Good luck to all! I applied to the state patrol three times. On the third try I was passed over, by clerical error. I was ready to give up and take a deputy sheriff postion for a rural county, and then I got the call to report to the academy. It can happen for any of you. I am a College dropout with only two years of a four year degree completed. I served in the USAF for four years in an unrelated field. I was working as an armed security guard, for a local private investigator and still got the job.

[TonySeattle]

And good luck to you in the academy and beyond!

Stay safe!

Tony

Manichaeanism@Bigfoot.com