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Question
I have applied to a number of police departments and gotten to varying levels in the processes and at no time has my background ever been an issue. In fact, in other applications my background check has come up squeaky clean. In my most recent application, however, I got a very succinct form letter from the city's personnel office that as a result of my background investigation I am no longer being considered a candidate. I have no criminal history, no drug abuse, no mental illness, no domestic violence, no work related issues, excellent credit so I am completely shocked. How can I find out what the problem was? I am afraid that failing a background check will preclude me from being considered by any other departments.
Matt:
It says I've already answered your question, but I don't remember doing so, so I'll hit it again!
I don't see why you were dropped, but it could very well be that someone, somewhere, said a rotten thing about you, and the background investigator, instead of following up an checking it out, decided to dump you. If this is a large department, they were probably looking to weed out candidates for any reason.
Conact the PD and ask them if they'll tell you why you didn't pass the BI. They may, or may not.
It won't preclude you from any other departments, don't sweat it.
Good luck!~
Jason
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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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