Question about the Secret Service 1811 application

[mmg1987]

Hi!

I'm in the process of filling out the application for a Criminal Investigator position with the Secret Service and have a quick question.

On the form, it asks for information for all spouses, ex-spouses, fiance, co-habitants, etc. My boyfriend moved in with me a few months ago when he let the lease on his apartment expire (he thought he was going to get a job with the Treasury Dept in Texas, but unfortunately he wasn't selected). Thus, I suppose he would qualify as a co-habitant and I filled out all of the information they requested about him.

My question is this: seven years ago, my boyfriend joined the army to get money for college. Being a dumb eighteen year old male who suddenly had a disposable income, he made some idiotic decisions that had a negative impact on his credit. Since then he has come to his senses and has slowly been paying off his debts and got his undergrad degree. His credit score is currently in the mid-500's, I believe, and his student loans are just coming due. Will this debt, coupled with the low credit rating, negatively effect my chances with the Secret Service?

I have no debt (went to college on a scholastic scholarship) and am about to graduate summa c*m (sorry, the filter doesn't like that word) laude with a degree in criminology. Both myself and my boyfriend have been employed as police dispatchers for several years. If his financial situation is a problem, will this help the Secret Service over look that?

Thank you!

[Kyn]

Mmg1987,

Regarding the financial section of the forms you are completing (I am assuming it is the SF86) revolve around you, and your financial earnings/spending. If you had credit, money, and any other financial issues you should write them down. If what you gave us is the full story then I don't see why you would even be worrying about someone else's mistakes.

However if you are that concerned about it, I would call and speak with someone at the USSS office, or just simply write it down and put it in your application. The best policy is to be up front and open around anything you might think would/could be a problem and let the respective agency make the decision whether or not it is a red flag.

*I am not an adjudicator, or in any position that makes employment decisions - the advice I gave you is simply from my own personal experience*

[Piggy]

His credit won't effect you unless you were a co-signer or otherwise financially responsible for his debt. Just make sure you answer all the questions truthfully and you should be fine.

Also, his career won't matter.

[mmg1987]

Whew! That's a huge relief. Thank you so much!