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Careers: Police/POST Background Check

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Expert: - 4/5/2009


Question
I'm 30 years old, and was abused greatly as a child although it mostly went unreported.  I have not spoken to either parent for about a decade and never will again.  They have no idea where I am; or who I have become.  I've led a good life and have a strong healthy happy family of my own now with 2 kids and a wife.  My question is this:

I have to report their names and addresses (which I don't have address) on the personal history statement.  Are they going to contact these people? Is this going to look very bad for me?

Thanks,
John

Answer
John,

I don't have any idea what job you are applying for but since you chose the Police Careers category I am going to have to assume that you have applied for a job as a police officer.

There are thousands of police departments in this country from the smallest three man departments to the largest departments with over 10,000 officers.  Every single one has its own hiring standards and operate independantly.  So there is really no "yes" or "no" answer to your question.  I cannot possibly predict or tell you if "they" are going to try to contact your parents as part of your background check.  But I would bet that sometime in your oral interviews, polygraph, or psychological that this issue is going to be raised.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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