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Expert: - 4/27/2011


Question
QUESTION: I was given a general discharge from my PD. I was accused of theft and told i did not belong there. Many good officers have basically been "Run-Off" . I was told that if I quit, my file would remain clean and the alleged allogations would "disappear"
I just got a cert. letter stating General Discharge. I also read it could be changed to Honorable for an act of heroism.
I ran into a structure fire to save an elderly bedridden woman ...on oxygen(whew). I was even on the Honor Guard.
How hard is it going to be for future employment? How alarmed should I be? How much will my future employer know about this?

ANSWER: Good Morning Devastated,

Well it all really depends on if you were discharged for a valid reason. Because it will come up in the background if you apply to another agency. I am not judging either way but guess you want an honest opinion. If you were discharged because you were accused of theft, first thing another agency is going to do is ask you if you've ever been accused of a crime. The truthful answer (including under polygraph) would have to be yes. Then you would have to explain if you did or did not do it. I do not need to know.

It will be an issue. But it all depends on if you did or did not do what you were accused of. if you did not then your going to be OK. if you did then it will come out in the background and you will have to be able to have some explanation that will satisfy the background investigator for the agency you are applying to.

Hope that helps you understand the two ways this could go depending on what you did or did not do.

Be well and stay safe..

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

QUESTION: Thank you. And yes I wanted your truthful opinion. So I don't need to worry about it.My sup. didn't like what happened !  Now then...Is it true an act of heroism can change the discharge?

Answer
Good morning again Devastated,

To my knowledge that is not true. Because that would require going back and changing of the entire paperwork those involved in your leaving of the agency. I would just look at dealing with the discharges the way that has been issued and concentrate on.

Be safe stay well.

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