Expert: Jason Grabill - 3/19/2004

Question
Thank you for being an expert with allexperts.com to answer my questions.  I'm sure I speak for all when I say that we appreciate it greatly.

I am 22 and about to begin my career in law enforcement.  These may sound like really simple and stupid questions but here goes anyway.

1) I have probably had close to 15 jobs since I was 16 yrs. old.  The police will of course do a thorogh background investigation on me.  This means that I will have to be completely pithy with my history.  If one of my statements are found to be inaccurate, I will be immediately disqualified from the selection process.  So I really need your help!  This is embarrasing, but I cant remember the dates of employment.  (for example, I worked at SEARS for several months about 4 years ago...but I don't remember the months that I worked there)  Can I check my tax records?  Previous W-2's reported?  

2)Obviously, any company that the hiring department (or any company for that matter) will contact will be able to provide information about me.  Here is a very important question for you.  How can I view my records that are held by companies that I worked for in the past?  Do I have a legal right to be aware of what they might report to a hiring entity?  Do I simply call and request to view my past personnel file?  Please Advise.

3)I have heard of purchasing background checks.  What info will this provide to me?  Is it worth money.  Which company will be honest and thorough with the investigation.

Thanks again

Answer
Chris:

  First, if you are in the process for a department, congrats!  I'll answer your questions in order...

1) I have probably had close to 15 jobs since I was 16 yrs. old. The police will of course do a thorogh background investigation on me. This means that I will have to be completely pithy with my history. If one of my statements are found to be inaccurate, I will be immediately disqualified from the selection process. So I really need your help! This is embarrasing, but I cant remember the dates of employment. (for example, I worked at SEARS for several months about 4 years ago...but I don't remember the months that I worked there) Can I check my tax records? Previous W-2's reported?

You can check your tax records, but they probably won't be much help, unless you saved all your pay stubs from that period.  My suggestion is to simply put in 'approximate' dates, with the explanation you gave me.  As long as you weren't terminated for cause (like stealing, ect) it won't be that big an issue.  



2)Obviously, any company that the hiring department (or any company for that matter) will contact will be able to provide information about me. Here is a very important question for you. How can I view my records that are held by companies that I worked for in the past?

You can personally go to the companies you worked for and ask to see your old personnel files, but that probably won't be much help, as they usually dump those files after a few years.

Do I have a legal right to be aware of what they might report to a hiring entity?

This depends on your state. Some states, yes, others, no.  For the most part, it's generally 'no'.  However, unless you've worked there very recently (last year or so) don't worry about it, as due to turnover rates, there probably won't be anyone there who even remembers you.  (Unless you did something spectacularly dumb).

Do I simply call and request to view my past personnel file?
Go there in person.  Calling gets you nowhere.


3)I have heard of purchasing background checks. What info will this provide to me? Is it worth money. Which company will be honest and thorough with the investigation.


I wouldn't bother, (most are a waste of money, since they just check your criminal record), since you already know everything you've done.  If you were arrested, just tell the background investigator why, and the disposition of the case.  Bad employee evals, unless they are 'for cause' (stealing, fighting with employees/staff/customers, onjob drug use etc) are not enough for a PD not to hire you.

Good luck!

Jason