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Question
I am a veteran in the US Army. I am 37 years old with a family and unemployed. My credit is a little shabby cause I have been on unemployment benefits for 1 year. While waiting for my benefits to begin, I bounced a check and had to go to court for it. I had to get a mug shot and fingerprints. I paid the check off in full with no jail time included. This happened outside the county I live close to a year now. I have no other issues besides that. I have recently enlisted back into the Army Reserve, but I want to be police officer. Does some police departments have some compassion towards their applicants? Bad things do happen to good people. With the way the economy is anything can happen to good people. What are my chances? What is the lowest credit score will police departments look at?
Mark:
Credit scores are not something MOST Pd's look at very hard. Yes, disclose the information, and be prepared to explain it in DETAIL, but overall, as long as the rest of your record is clear and clean, it won't be that much of an issue.
Jason
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for the answer. I still want to know if my going to court and take finger prints keep me from going forward. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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