Easy Police Departments to join?

Question

I want to become a police officer, but my credit sucks right now. I just got foreclosed on. Are there any police departments that don't worry so much about officer's credit rating, or am I screwed for now?

I have held the same job for over 5 years. I have never done illegal drugs. I have no criminal record.

I had great credit for years, I just have fallen on hard financial times. My wife got a sick and couldn't work, plus her mounting medical bills, we couldn't afford our mortgage anymore.

Answer 1

My prayers are with you and hope you can follow your dream.  I don't know that any one Department is easier then the others but County Sheriffs seem to be the most likely to be lackadaisical.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Bigger police departments like bigger cities you will have a better chance because of the rate the hire at. NYC,AZ,CA have a civil service test like every month soo check with the big places.

Answer 3

It all matters how old you are. Most all departments hire 21 - 35 unless you have some military training which will make it up to 40 if you had 5 years training max. I'm from NY so I'd say the NYPD (NYC). The only bad thing is that the pay really stinks for Rookies which will probably be a problem for you and your wife. Rookies make a mere $35,000 their first year which comes out to about $41,000 Including overtime and more. Each year your pay increases till you reach the top salary of about $70,000 after 5 and a half years. The department does offer Unbelievable Benefits and it is very easy to get into because of the pay problems. Their recent classes was down about 300 then normally. When you make your way up in the ranks like Sgt, Lt, Cpt after a bunch of years the pay gets well with over $100,000 a year. You cannot afford to live in the city for $35,000 so I'd suggest getting a small apartment on Long Island and taking the quick train ride into the city.

Heres their Recruitment Website: http://www.nypdrecruit.com/

Check out the website and let me know what you think.

Hope I helped. Best of Luck to you and your wife. Keep me updated on what you end up doing.  

Answer 4

Although being able to manage your credit/debts/loans is favorable, I bet you will have an easier time then say 5 years ago when the economy was stronger.

Answer 5

Just apply to your local departments. So do not even check credit or do not take it into consideration. Just call the recruiting person for the departments you are interested in and explain your situation.

Even departments that check credit will give you consideration if you have a good reason for your problems....Someone in trouble for medical bills is better off than someone in trouble for continually getting credit cards and not paying them.