Career Change

[loozianaman]

Hi Folks,
Recently I've become disenchanted with my current profession, I work in telecommunications. The only other field I've ever been interested in is law enforcement. I did 6 years with the Marines as a reservist from 85 to 91, family and financial obligations prevented me from going full time. At any rate, my question is, what are some of the disqualifying factors for becoming a law enforcement officer? I've never been arrested, only a few speeding tickets over the years, no dui's or anything of that nature. The only issue I am concerned about is my credit history. I went through a divorce 8 years ago and was forced to file chapter 13 to protect my assets. I went from a combined income of over 100,000 to 35k, it hurt. Is this something to be concerned about? By the way I'm 43, but am still very fit, run 50 miles a week. Thanks in advance folks.

Rich

[hemicop]

Dept. requirements are all pretty much the same: no drug use, no felony convictions, pass the PT tests, oral & polygraph. Where it gets weoird is how some BIs interpret your past history & references. Your bankruptcy May hurt you with Dept."A", but not with Dept "B".because "A" interprets it as a lack of responsibility, while "B" at it as srictly a personal matter. I'd check with your preferred Dept. & see what they say. You can always apply to more than one P.D. Here, we've had Federeal LEOs get turned down 'cause they couldn't meet some standard. (Kinda stupid, I think). Anyway,I it sounds like you could make the career change......GOOD LUCK

[PhilipCal]

Career Change

Rich, I'd definitely start applying. Don't limit yourself to one agency. As hemi-cop noted, some departments are pretty strict on credit history, some not so strict. In my view, an individual who simply ran up a bunch of debt in a totally irresponsible manner is a potential risk. Your situation could happen to anyone, and it has happened to a lot of cops. I view it in an entirely different light, and I think many departments will too. You need to start applying now. Keep working on staying in shape. Good luck. Semper Fi!!