lived most of life in Germany - worried about background check

[BigBen]

First of all:

Hello everyone! I'm new here - first post (but have been reading quiet a bit..)

I'm looking for some insight in the background investigation. My situation is the following: 35yo, dual citizen (US, German), lived in Germany most of my life (except very first year and senior highschool year). So to US officials I should be pretty much a white sheet of paper.

I am currently thinking of a law enforcement career, putting some time and money into studying criminal justice before applying etc. But of course it's wise to check for any disqualifyers. I haven't found any yet, but will the investigators be able to check all my records, which are all German (and German officials tend to be very exact on who they give information to). They will have to make some international calls and talk to people that might not be the best with speaking English. My credit history can only be made available to them with my consent (which will give them another German document).
I have already gathered as much as I could to have it translated, but I guess they will want to find something out for themselves, too ;-)

I would really appreciate it, if you could give me some advice on how to deal with this. (normally I would just go ahead, do all the tests and then worry about it. But I will have to invest some time and money..)

Thanks, and greetings from Cologne Germany!

[GoDirectly2Jail]

A reputable department is going to use due diligence to speak to who they can and obtain what documents they can. The largest departments may even send an investigator to Germany. You seem concerned that if your background is somehow "too difficult" to do, that you will be passed over. BI's are people too, and they will not hold a difficulty in obtaining information against you personally.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Along those lines, since you are currently in Cologne, and are a German citizen, have you given any thought to law enforcement where you are?

[Kimble]

I haven't found any yet, but will the investigators be able to check all my records, which are all German (and German officials tend to be very exact on who they give information to). They will have to make some international calls and talk to people that might not be the best with speaking English. My credit history can only be made available to them with my consent (which will give them another German document).
I have already gathered as much as I could to have it translated, but I guess they will want to find something out for themselves, too ;-)

I would really appreciate it, if you could give me some advice on how to deal with this. (normally I would just go ahead, do all the tests and then worry about it. But I will have to invest some time and money..)

Not sure how to advise you other than doing what you're already doing. Your situation will likely be unique to the background investigator (BI) assigned to your case, and you've already pointed out some of the challenges they'll face. It's not as if the BI can say, "this investigation is too difficult to complete so we'll just skip it." It will likely take a lot longer to complete than other applications born and raised in the US, but Germany is an ally nation with the US so they will likely be able to get what they need eventually.

Long story short, apply if you want to be a cop, provide what info and documents you already have, and let the BI advise further on how you can assist in their gaining what they need (i.e. let them tell you what they need when it's needed).

[L-1]

I once had to do a background on an applicant who lived in Morocco for several years. I was all set to pack my bags and ask for a travel advance for plane tickets, hotel accommodations and meals. Unfortunately, my department did not see matters with the same enthusiasm as I did. We wound up asking the Moroccan National Police to conduct that portion of the background for us.

Now, I believe we ask the FBI International Liaison officer in the nearest US embassy or consulate to assist us with that portion of the an applicant's background.

[retdetsgt]

To be honest, I'm not as optimistic as others here. The odds of a small department having someone available that can speak German is going to be small and they aren't going to have the resources to do a lot. Larger departments probably will, but here's what I would do. I'd contact the personnel division of any department you're thinking of applying for and tell them the situation before you apply. If they are not willing to try to overcome those obstacles, then you would be wasting your time.

The overseas phone calls are no big deal, it's a matter though of you assisting and them having a German speaking officer to handle the conversations. The more you can tell them about how to get that info and who to call, the better. Frankly, if my old department hit very many brick walls, I could see them rejecting you based on the inability to develop a background. They would be willing to try to a point, but there is that point where they would say, "screw it" and DQ you. Hiring someone that blindly is just too dangerous.

[BigBen]

Wow, that was quick - thank you!

I get a taste of what best to do. Maybe this one is also a good opportunity to show that I'm able to help with getting everything they need.

@GoDirectly2Jail : age limitations here are 18-25 for PO and 18-28 for federal police.

Thanks again for all the valuable input!

[cntryboy0531]

To be honest, I'm not as optimistic as others here. The odds of a small department having someone available that can speak German is going to be small and they aren't going to have the resources to do a lot. Larger departments probably will, but here's what I would do. I'd contact the personnel division of any department you're thinking of applying for and tell them the situation before you apply. If they are not willing to try to overcome those obstacles, then you would be wasting your time.

The overseas phone calls are no big deal, it's a matter though of you assisting and them having a German speaking officer to handle the conversations. The more you can tell them about how to get that info and who to call, the better. Frankly, if my old department hit very many brick walls, I could see them rejecting you based on the inability to develop a background. They would be willing to try to a point, but there is that point where they would say, "screw it" and DQ you. Hiring someone that blindly is just too dangerous.

I agree with him.

Honestly, if you are "marketable", as in you don't have any background issues, a college degree, or military, I'd first limit your searches to large departments. I also doubt a small department would devote resources to hiring you.

[driet]

Interesting topic, will stay ON.