Expert: Jack Toomey - 10/3/2005

Question
Thanks for your response…I understand your point so I revised my questions and made them much more succinct.


1.  I know that the background check is extensive.  Exactly how extensive is it?  Obviously they will contact family, friends, and past employers, but other than that what else will they look into?  


2. What does a police recruiter/police department consider a “poor work history,” and what do they call a “poor credit history?”  I don't have any bankruptcies or repos or judgements or anything.  What say you?


3. I have read other questions in the AllExperts.com archive in the Police Career section regarding medical information and that medical information is ‘confidential'.  In one question, the expert said that I would only need to disclose information if I feel it is relevant and pertinent to my ability to perform the job.  How true is this?


4. If I am denied employment after I put in my application, will I be given a reason why?  Will I even be given a general idea as to why I was turned down?  Can I request this?  Can I even get a hint?


5. Finally, when the Background investigator contacts each previous employer, what information will they request?  Will they obtain actual hard copies of my applications, attendance/tardy records, performance reviews/records, awards, certifications, memos, employee monthly and annual reviews, income statements, etc.  Of course I sign a info release form and anything is possible but what is usual practical and normal?  I mean,,…will they request my entire HR employee personnel file?


I appreciate your time

Once again…thank you so much.

Chris


Answer
Chris,'

    I am not trying to give you the brush off but your questions are very direct and to the point and obviously you want precise answers.  However your questions cannot be answered that way.  There are over a thousand police departments in this country and probably thousands of background investigators so there are no clear cut answers to your questions because nobody operates exactly the same.

  It would be like you asking me how a math teacher teaches or grades papers knowing full well that no two teachers teach or grade the same.

    What I would suggest is that you meet with a background investigator from a police department that you have no intention of applying for.  You would probably get a better idea of what you are looking for that way.

  Sorry that I can't answer any of your questions but there is just no way to give you definitive answers to any of your questions because they either deal with how departments operate or laws in different states involving privacy, etc.