Careers: Police/Elimination

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Expert: - 7/10/2009


Question
QUESTION: I was recently rejected by a police agency ("would not consider me for employment at any time") during the background investigation portion of the hiring process. I have never been arrested or charged with any crime felony or otherwise. I can not figure out what it could have been... I dont want to post my entire background questionaire to have analyzed but, would you be able to inform me on some things that would disqualify me from ever being employed by the agency?

ANSWER: Thomas,

You might not be aware of this but only about 10 - 15 of those who apply to become police officers make it past the background stage.

It could have been one of many things.  A poor result on your aptitude test (if you ever got that far), prior use of drugs or excessive use of alcohol, a poor driving record, bad recommendations from people that were interviewed, a sporadic past job history (many different jobs), changing addresses frequently, a less than average credit rating, anecdotal cases of a bad temper, and on and on.  There is a lot more to it than an arrest record.

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

QUESTION: Thank you. Do I have the right to contact them and find out why? Does this mean I will never be able to become a police officer or should I try other agencies?

Answer
Sure you have the right to ask them anything but don't be surprised if they won't tell you.  

I can't tell you if you will ever be able to be a police officer because I don't know why you were disqualified.  Every department has its own hiring standards so why not try again?



You didn't care to share any of your possible disqualifiers and left me guessing.  I tried to give you some encouragement.  I think that you know why you were rejected.

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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