Expert: Dick Rogers - 10/3/2005

Question
Thank you for being an expert at allexperts.com and offering your time and opinion on my questions. (It is amazing that this service is completely free in America,...where capitalism is paramount)  This question is likely challenging and I recommend that it be posted in the archive because I believe that it will help many people that aspire as I do.  (especially those in my situation)

I decided that instead of multiple question submissions, I would make one submission with multiple questions hoping it will be more convenient for you.  I hope none of them sound stupid, I just want to be fully prepared when I apply.  And again, I appreciate your expertise and generosity of time and energy.

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?  Do they check High school attendance records?  Do they check High school discipline records?  (I'm asking because I skipped class a few times  What am I not thinking of that they may check into?
2. A lot of supervisors I previously worked for are no longer with the same company.  I know this because I did a complete background check on myself.  They are aware of how capable I am yet they aren't available at the same company.  Who knows where they are?  How will this impact my background check?  What info will they be able to verify without my previous boss?  [other than dates of employment/last pay rate/job title…the basic stuff]
3. What does a police recruiter/police department consider a “poor work history?”  FYI…I have friends who have become officers strait out of high school and one that have become police officers after high school and a work record of 4 mos. at a carwash.  I have worked all thru high school and have had several jobs.  I have ten times more experience in many different skills as they had.  Here is the thing:  On my first job at a grocery store, I was present while other employees put goldfish in the coffee grinder, ripped open a chocolate syrup container and, destroyed a poster.  I tried to tell them they were being idiots, but ironically ended up getting fired b/c I saw them do it and didn't tell on them.  It was a decade ago and I have obviously wised up since and would not even allow such a moronic thing to take place again.  What impact does this have?
4. 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.  I have a very close friend that is an officer in a South Carolina local police department and he took the drug Ritalin all through elementary, middle and high school to treat his ADD.  Was he required to disclose this?  If so, does the disclosure inhibit his ambition and effort to join a PD?  Does a PD look beyond or overlook this?  I have no diagnosed conditions of any kind, but I did take the acne medication Accutane when I was in High school.  Would this hamper my hopes for employment?  My mom was a drug addict and I was raised in a bad household.  I have been counseled because of my upbringing.  (as most people in that situation does)  Will this affect my chances?  I know this is a ‘loaded question', but please try and answer all of the questions with your best professional opinion.  It's very important to me.
5. What is the psychological screening/assessment?  What is the deal with this?  What questions do they ask and why?
6. On most applications I've seen a question that asks if I've ever been denied employment by a Law Enforcement agency.  If in the future I am denied employment by a Law Enforcement agency, will I “lose points” in the selection process just because another person filled the job vacancy and I didn't.  There can be many reasons for this…maybe he was in the Marines for ten years or something.  
7. 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?
8. If I am denied employment, what should I do next?  What would you do?   Do I disclose that another agency shut me down?  If I do, does this necessarily ‘kill' my chances?  
9. 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 can't wait to hear from you and feel free to dissect the questions at will.  It took me a long time to come up with these questions so I would most greatly appreciate candid and unambiguous answers.  

Once again…thank you so much.

Chris  

Answer
Chris, you have a boatload of questions here...my first impulse was to bow out...but you put a lot of effort into it and deserve a response.  Number one, generally the background check involves just who you outlined, work, school, friends, and of course your record with law enforcement if any.  As far as I know, high school records are not sought.  2. Supervisors who are no longer with a company do not present a problem.  Your work history will be a matter of record based on performance evalualtions, etc...also any problems you may have had, so be prepared to discuss or defend any problems you had. What you have to realize is that background checks are pretty standard in format...they aren't looking for the specific you, just the general you...as long as you are put into the works and come out fairly normal you are in the mix.  3. A good work history is one with incidents or problems.  A relatively long work history is a bonus...also, if you have outstanding evaluations which highlight integrity, honesty, outstanding work ethic.  It is unlikely that an incident ten years ago would be of interest today, particularly if the job was as you described. 4.  Regarding medical information, you may be required to sign a release form or perhaps not, depending on the agency, but medical issues focus on mental stability, physical ability and general health.  If you are not overly obese or skinny as a rail, you are considered in the mix, with exceptions for things I just mentioned.  Being a track star, or having achieved some stature as an athlete is a bonus.  5. I do not know the basis for the Psych Screening, not my bag, but they are looking for obvious kooks...someone with an emperor complex or one with an overriding need to "correct" people...things out of the ordinary.  Believe it or not they are looking for ordinary Joe Blows. To give you an example of the oral part of the Psych aspect.  You may be asked if you could kill someone. A reasonable response would be,"...no one looks forward to the prospect of taking another's life, but circumstances come up where an innocent person's life or any officer's life is in direct jeopary and if that situation develops, I would, with my training, and within department standards, take the appropriate action."  You get the gist.
6.  If there is one opening and you were not selected, offer them this response.  "I applied for an opening with a small department...I was being considered with another applicant and they decided to go with him...I suspect he was the better selection in their view in that he had prior experience."  In other words, don't shy away from a negative...build on it.  Show that you are mature and that they if they did not select you, there must have been a reason.  7.  If you apply and are not selected after a period of time...contact the recruiment unit and ask for a readout on how well you placed and how you could improve.  Most agencies will not block this kind of inquiry.  8.  If you are not selected, keep applying...it could be that you had the misfortune of a group of young people who had great backgrounds for the job and you were an "also ran".  If your record, background, medical and psych and oral exams are in the ballpark, you will, repeat will, succeed. And finally...9.  Usually, the request sent to an employer is a standard form, including whether you worked for them, how long, your job title, whether you performance was satisfactory and whether they would hire you again. There really isn't a whole bunch of information in the request. Well, Chris, this has been a mouthful.  I hope it helps you out and that you have a renewed positive attitude regarding you potential in law enforcement.  Cheers.