Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/30/2008

Question
"Hi I am interested in florida police departments. How do you find out which ones are in need of officers and not just taking people and not hiring and what would I need to do to apply in full for a police job in florida? I also have one major question. I messed up a lot when I was a kid with my financial history like I had a car taken back and a few bills. I don't have more than like 7k in debt but does a bad credit score mess up your chances of being hired?"


Answer
Hello Dave,
"When you were a kid" doesn't tell me much. What the distance from then, to your age now may have a bearing. And, if you can articulate those youthful decision errors to an oral board. You'll want to be able to convey the corrective steps you took, to repair those issues. That way, you conclude a negative, with a closing positive, which is a good strategy.
Although there is no ONE template that covers all agencies, in terms of what they are looking for, there are many similarities.
With credit/debt problems, they would be looking for a pattern of poor decision making, and a suggested profile of irresponsibility, and mature thinking.
Having a financial hic-up in your past is not necessarily a deal breaker, but you need to reconcile those matters, and be prepared to convey your progress in the areas of fiscal resolve.
I know of no agency that just "takes people."
Hiring men and women in the field of public safety is very serious business. They are looking for: potential, character, honesty etc.
Virtually all agencies are on the hunt for quality employees. There is natural attrition, there is growth needs, and other considerations. Plus, there are an abundance of "baby-boomers" that are in the mix for up coming retirements.
Then, you can consider the economy. When times are lean, there is a corresponding increase in civil service applications. During economic good times, that trend tends to go the other way.
My advice to you, is to contact a few of the agencies, and inquire about hiring projections.
The norm, is for an agency to hire slightly less than 10% of applicants. So you can see, the competition is keen.
But do go for an agency you like first.
You can get an idea of whats what, by contacting human resources at both Dade, and Broward Sheriff's Departments. I would imagine they both have a web site with personnel details.
You should also consider communicating with a representative of a labor organization representing these police agencies, for a different slant than what you will typically get from the human resource department.
Hope this is helpful to you.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren