Careers: Police/Credit Problems

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Expert: - 3/30/2010


Question
Hello sir,

I have read your profile and feel that you will be able to give me a thorough answer. I had a horrible year in 2009 as so many others have. I was laid-off and could not find a job  all year. Through that time, my perfect 5 year credit was damaged due to the fact  I could not pay, I held off for as long as possible but to no avail, the negative reporting came. Now, I have a couple of charge-offs on my credit and feel that my chances of being an officer are over. I am 25 years old and my one goal is to become an officer and help move and protect this country the best I can. It really is my passion no matter how corny it may sound. I am planning to self-sponsor myself through the upcoming part-time academy in Miami dade college for their academy in January. I was finally able to find a job so I am finally making payment arrangements on All of my negative accounts. What suggestions do you have for me to be able to be accepted to this program? I am doing everything in my power to straighten everything out with my credit.

Thank you for taking your time in reading my post,

Marcos D.

Answer
Marcos:

  Believe me, you aren't the only one.  Many folks have had credit issues in the past, and more are doing so today.  The biggest thing background investigators look for is NOT 'bad credit' per se, but "Are you paying your bills?"  If you can answer 'Yes' to that question, it's usually not an issue, unless you are massively in debt (think hundreds of thousands of unpaid credit card bills), have declared bankruptcy recently, or had vehicles repo'd.   It becomes an issue then..but only if it's a clear pattern of ignoring the debt and not working on it.

 By the simple fact you are making arrangements and working down the debt, it works in your favor.   I won't tell you not to worry about it, but it's less of an issue than you might think, as long as you keep working it down.

 Good luck!

   Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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