Expert: Loren Stevens - 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
My counsel, is to tell the truth....warts and all.
As a youngster, most of us had some behavioral "hic-ups" along the way. That is part of growing up. Much of what you convey on matters, are open to explanation, where perceptional differences occur. Don't sweat it, just be upfront, and candid. If you have something in your past that is less than favorable, say so, ie., that you made a foolish error in judgement, and profited from the experience. Or, say that you learned some life's lessons the hard way, probably due to maturational considerations. There is a pretty wide gap between boy and man, in terms realizing responsibility, propriety, etc.
What the Police recruiter is looking for, are traits that are responsible, and calibrated to character. NO drugs, honesty etc.
In terms of jobs, there is nothing unusual about having had several in your youth. Unless, there is a demonstrated pattern for leaving/termination those jobs, that are enherently negative.
List approx dates, and state that they are best-recollection approx. Or, if you need more accuracy, go to those employers and ask for those dates....diplomatically ofcourse.
Checking with personel files or keeper of those records are probably an easier bet than hassling the IRS.
You may want to confer with an attorney on your past employment personel files, just for clarity. I am sure you probably can, and there is protocol for doing so at most places of employment.
About the only records that are hard to view, is where people are asked for candid opinions, with the understanding that their responses will be confidential.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with any of it. If somebody has less than flattering information on you, it won't go away just because you want to see it. Plus, most places don't want to get into a liability exposure by expressing neg comments that they have no interest in, and can only come back to haunt them in a civil suit. If somebody offers a less than flattering commentary, you'll find out about it, worry about it then.
The background checks to me, are a waste of $. There is no way they can access more than a police background Investigator can.
If there is something you are worried about, prepare yourself for a cogent response when asked about it, otherwise, don't worry about it.
Well lad, these comments illustrates MY opinion. In the final analysis, use your own judgement. Just don't worry about crumb stuff, and seperate REAL, from IMAGINED issues.
good luck
loren