Expert: William Payne - 9/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Payne

I have a question regarding "Moral Turpitude". I have no criminal record whatsoever and never used any drugs, but I am aware that I will be asked about the "undetected" things that I may have done during the BI. I plan to apply to the FHP, but I am worried that I may be DQ because of some of the things I have done.

1.I purchased 2 used cars from private owners about 6-7 yrs. ago and lied to the DMV about the price that I payed for them so I could pay less taxes on them.

2. I left a part-time job off of my income tax one year when I filed my taxes 2yrs. ago. I have payed the IRS back in full the extra money I received from them.($300)before they spotted it on their own.

3. I cut a coworkers tire on his car about 6yrs. ago after he was horribly mean, nasty and rude to me. (yes, I regret doing it)

Do you think these things will DQ my chances of getting hired? Is it true that these things will come out even though I was never caught? Thank You.

ANSWER: Mike,

Thanks for the questions.

They could definitely come out in a thorough background investigation. If here is a polygraph or voice stress examination it's possible that you could be disqualified if you are found to be deceptive.

You will have an opportunity to discuss these issues prior to taking the examinations, and you can clear the air at that time. You don't want to to try and hide anything because it will be discovered, and then your chances are zero.

Good luck and best wishes!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Mr. Payne,

I also forgot to add one more thing. I got pulled over the day I was driving home a car that I had just bought because I had put a license plate on the car that belonged to another car just so I could drive it home. I had to go to court because it was a misdemeanor for having the wrong plate on the car and no reg. or ins.  This happened about 17 years ago.

Do you think all of these events are enough to kill my chances to become a police officer? Do you think they will ask me about these undetected things I have done or are they more focused on a criminal record? Thank You.

Answer
Mike,

It's possible things could come up concerning these issues. I probably would not worry too much about the traffic ticket because of the tags, but the vandalism and lying might pose a problem for a recruiter to consider you.

It really all depends on what the police agency is looking for and what standards they use to determine who gets hired and who does not get hired.

I can't promise you anything. They may or may not consider you, but you need to tell the truth if being questioned about these issues, or you can bet you will not even be considered.

Good luck and best wishes!