unanswered questions

[tinar]

I have a few questions and thought this would be the place to ask them. I have a good friend who has great interest in law enforcement however, he has a few things in his past that may damage his chances but I wanted the thoughts of ones who would know. About three years ago he was arrested for dv 4th. later this was dropped to a disorderly. This is the only thing on his record. Also his family is in great financial distress as he search's for a law enforcement job. I have advised his wife to consider filing bankrupcy however, her husband insists this will have a terrible impact on his chances in law enforcement. He is honorably discharged from 8 years in the service and is currently working security. What would his chances be in obtaining employment? Also how would the bankrupcy effect law enforcement employment?

tinar

[try163]

Tinar,

Your questions are very tricky to answer without knowing all the circumstancs. I'm not sure what a dv 4th is. I'm assuming it is a domestic violence charge. Even if it was pled down to a disorderly charge, he was still initially arrested on the dv charge which may hinder his chances. I don't know of an agency out there that does not take domestic violence very seriously these days. I'm sure some depts. won't even consider someone with a dv charge. Also, and I may be wrong, but I would assume that the disorderly may go on his record as being a dv disorderly. In some states, I believe people convicted of dv charges are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. That may only be misdemeanors and felonies also.

The second question about the bankruptcy depends on the agency he is applying to. If the agency does a thorough background check, they will look into everything. Having good credit is just a part the big picture when it comes to character and responsibility. Everyone has problems from time to time and police officers are no different. To come in and get hired with problems is a detriment to the individual. If they haven't already, they should see a credit counselor or financial advisor to put them on a budget so they can get their bills paid and not file for bankruptcy. Unless the situation is really bad. You don't mention if either husband or wife is working. If neither are, bankruptcy may not be a bad idea, but I would only use it as a last resort.

I know this reply sounds like doom and gloom, but you have to look at it from the agencies point of view. They don't want anyone who can't take care of their own life, let alone someone else's. And believe me, alot of police work is assisting other people and dealing with their crises. Bottom line, he should check into everything. What his state laws are unknow to me, and good credit is never a bad thing to have.

TRY163