Expert: Loren Stevens - 7/19/2007

Question
I hope to work as a police officer in my city, and I had a few questions I hoped you might give some perspective on.  First of all, I'm 24, have an A.A., joined the Army but received a medical discharge during basic (a since-healed shoulder injury), have no arrest record, have never used drugs, and am good shape.
However, I was fired from a job at 22 due to a disagreement over my use of the employee discount.  They never never claimed there was a crime, but do you think that will weigh heavily against me?  Also, I have a mediocre at best credit rating; I'm not sure if that's a big factor in many cities.

Thank you for your time!
Ryan

Answer
Hello Ryan,
Well, keep in mind, that what I offer on this question is merely MY opinion, and nothing more.
It has been said, that Bobby Kennedy once utter words to the effect, that if you have a blemish, hang a lantern on it.
In other words, put it out front, and address it. Hopefully, you'll have the opportunity to do so at the front end of the process, rather than at the end, which tends to leave a lasting and negative impression.
First, with the shoulder injury, you should be able to overcome that issue if you can pass the physical testing that is required. They may also be interested in this as a "pre-existing" injury, that may be a problem down the road.
So, knowing that, you can prepare for that contingency, and thwart any of those concerns.
With the termination of employment from a previous employer, much depends on how that employer frames the issue(s) associated with you.
If the employee discount matter was less than a crime, yet encroached in an area of propriety, or disregard for policy, you'll have to have a response for that. This aspect of pre-employment screening has to do with matters of: CHARACTER, and HONESTY. The agency will press for clarity on these two concerns. Your best hope, is that it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, otherwise, there will be a cloud of suspicion, that will not favor you.
You might consider meeting with your old boss, and see if you can get an idea of how he would describe you as a former employee. It's a risk, but what do you have to lose.
Also, advise him that you are seeking employment in a position, that requires letters from past employers in terms of recommendations. Ask if you can impose on him for such a letter, even though there was a matter of misunderstanding, you'd like to think you were otherwise a valued employee.
On the credit rating, the police agency would look at that as reflecting: MATURE RESPONSIBILITY, and ACCOUNTABILITY.
If your spending/living habits reflect a pattern of irresponsibility, that too does not favor you.
It would seem to me, that you have some issues to address, prior to advancing yourself as a candidate for hire.
You may not be able to undo the past, but you sure as hell can clean it up as best as is possible.
Issues of: honesty, integrity, responsibility and character are BIGGIES in any law enforcement agency.
With that in mind, do what you can to benefit your profile.
Good Luck, hope this commentary is helpful.
Regards,
loren