Application question: Have you ever been rejected by a police department?

[scooty]

Hi everyone great forum. I'm 52 and recently applied for a volunteer position as a Reserved Deputy Sheriff in my town. While looking through my paperwork I came across a question that has me concerned. The question ask, Have you ever been rejected by a police department?

About 25 years ago I applied to a department and was rejected, for what reason I don't clearly remember. The problem is, I'm not sure how to explain the reason for rejection. I have considered calling the county and asking, but you can imagine what a task that may be. It's been such a long time I'm not even sure my info is on file anymore.

In your opinion, is it even worth being concerned with? Will the investigators even know if I don't tell them? Of course I want to be upfront and honest and actually have nothing to hide.

Thanks in advance!

[ferriscj24]

First off, welcome to RP. This isn't too much of a concern, I wouldn't think, if it is just time since your "rejection." I would certainly advise to stay away from not telling them as you suggested. By the context of your post, you have already applied (submitted your application), what did you put down for that question on your app? If/When the question regarding that arises, just tell them what you just told us. You simply don't remember what the reasoning for them rejecting you was. In my experience, the Agency wouldn't reveal that to you anyway. I could be wrong though. I say, don't let it bother you, go into your background interview, be up front and honest, and just explain to them what you just did here, and you should be all set! I don't see them holding anything like that against you.

[cntryboy0531]

I would just tell them that you were rejected, and couldn't recall the reason as it was 25 years ago. I don't see them holding it against you.

[DeltaV]

Will the investigators even know if I don't tell them?

Yes, they will find out. Getting rejected 25 years ago isn't going to hurt you, however if you fail to disclose it then you will be rejected for untruthfulness.