Posted: 7/18/2004 6:09:03 PM EDT
| This is something that Id like to find a answer to, its mainly pertaining to employment with any law enforcement agency. Most do a thorough background check prior to hiring someone, is it anything like the check they do when you buy a firearm or is it deeper. I have a few things in my closet that have kept me from applying for things such as security clearances in the military and it is something that I am concerned about if I am to have a future as a lawman after my time in the military. Because it was juvenile offenses it is has been what is called "sealed" and did not show up in the Iowa background check when I joined the military. It also happened 10 years ago, when I was 14. Do I have anything to worry about? It wasnt drug related or violent, it had to do with car stereos. |
| I also had a "Juvenile moment" that I wished never happened. It was also "sealed" but the NYPD backround check dregged it up. For me, the fact that it was taken care of and I've basically kept my nose clean for the almost 20 years since, didn't hurt my chances. Mine was a weapon's violation. (It was the Bruce Lee Nunchuck era.) |
| Be absolutely honset, period. Any quality agency will do a thorough background, to the same level as a good security clearance background. They will find out about "it" and if you lie, they will tell any agency you ever apply with. We probably lose at least half in backgrounds for that reason. |
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Whether they will find out about it or not (and they probably will) you should list it. The reality is that there are some departments that will not accept any past transgression and there are some departments that understand that nobody is perfect and will give you a chance. One thing that is true for all of them is that they will not tolerate lying... Period. |
| The majority of the ones Ive looked into say no prior felony convictions of any kind, at the time I got off probation at 17, I was told that even though it was a felony offense, juveniles arent convicted of either misdemeanors or felonies in Iowa, they are adjudicated delinquint. Im gonna put it out there for them anyways, but I am wondering how other states such as texas will recognize this. |
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We had a case here on the FD a few years ago. FF/PM gets into a verbal w/his sister in law over discipline of his child. She didn't particularly like him anyway, and called to "inform" us that we had a felon as a dept. member. He applied & was hired under "Name X", a name he legally changed to several years ago. Where the application asked "have you ever been known by any other names?" he listed his birth name, "Name Y". Where the application asked "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" he left this blank, and offered no additional info under the "If yes, explain briefly" section. Turns out that he had been arrested and convicted many years earlier (when he was 16-18 but tried as an adult) for Armed Robbery / AG BAT in another state, under "Name Y"... our BOFPC never noticed the lack of an answer, and PD never ran his old name, and the new "Name X" came up no wants or warrants. He attempted to downplay his action re the application, saying "I didn't lie, I just left it blank". Unfortunately for him, our State's Attorney includes "omission" under the crime of perjury, and he was arrested on duty, the distinct lack of press and fanfare the only professionaly courtesy offered - as well as a PR bond. Case was eventually settled - City dropped charges, he left job. Despite a reasonably clean existence once he served his time (other than minor traffic), and a good service history, he lost it all, because he hid his past. If you've been straight since your early "wayward youth"  , tell the Board, and they'll usually understand.Hide it, and it'll bite you in the ass. Good luck. T7 |