Expert: Dick Rogers - 5/5/2009

Question
hello and thank you for taking my question, I am 33 years old and have a degree in LEA and an ART In SCIENCE degree, both are 2 year degrees . I recently lost my job at visteon ford part supplier and my debts are high , would that affect my chance of getting into a career as a police officer if my credit is down hill and or bankruptcy is my only option now .. I owe 56000 dollars . please reply and let me now , thank you very much

Answer
Mike, I am sorry to hear of your predicament...and thank you for being so forthright in describing your situation.  I must be up front with you and say that you situation as you describe it is not ideal as a candidate for law enforcement...I say that in regards to the perception that interviewers might take that you are desperate and want a law enforcement job for the security, etc. What I have to recommend is not easy nor is it the only alternative.  The best thing you can do is to deal with your debts...work two or three jobs if  you can find them and get the darn things paid off.  Then...then, go on a recruitment effort and get yourself into law enforcement and I can assure you that no only will you be paid a decent wage, but you will be preparing yourself for a great retirement.  There is no secret that safety retirement (cops and firemen) is the best system going. I would take hat in hand and go directly to your creditors and tell them that you want to do good by your debts and want them to work with you to set up a payment schedule that you can handle.  Everyone in the world recognizes that we are in a terribly financial crisis and if they won't work with you, they suck.  I wish you all the best.