Will my past keep me from being a police officer?

Question

I was terminated as a dispatcher in 2001 for running a background check I shouldn't have, I disclosed this to my department. I also have a past bankruptcy 5 years ago and I have been perfect credit wise since. I also have a spotty employment history, I just up and quit some of my past jobs without any notice. I was only fired the once. I gave most jobs 2 weeks and I have had a few jobs for 2 years or more. I was given a "conditional offer" with a department. Do you think these will keep me from getting the job?

Answer 1

They probably saw it and dont mind it. But you can approach a recruiter and ask him !

Answer 2

They probably will..

Answer 3

No conditional will depend on how you do as a conditional employee.

They are giving you a chance to prove yourself, your past and your potential for a future with them.

Answer 4

A conditional offer is just and offer of a job if you pass everything they want, I think you understand that, unlike one of the answers.

If it is a low paying real small town and you pay for your academy they might but I doubt it.

Lots of departments are either loosening their requirements or at least looking at the totality of the circumstances instead of a strict yes or no policy. Saying that, you still have little chance in my opinion.

Your biggest problem is the background check. The second biggest is the spotty record, 5 years OK credit is OK.

Just like with dispatch you have to have an approval to get info from NCIC and whatever your state system is. With that violation you will likely not get an approval so you cannot work as a cop.

A spotty work record shows unreliability. Police departments spend over $100,000. in training an individual and they simply do not want someone who has proved in the past that he won't stay.

Answer 5

It depends if you are changed... and it could make it harder as employers will most likely choose people first who have no or minimal criminal backgrounds.