Another bad credit questions

[fishAK]

My credit sucks, and some of it has gone to collections at this point. I have been unemployed or partially employed for almost 3 years, and it's not from a lack of trying to find work and make enough to catch back up. It's hard with a family when the income suddenly goes to zero and bills are larger then small pay checks can cover.

I've even tried debt consolidation, but those still require payments larger then I can afford and still feed and house the family. Basically, I'm in a catch-22. I didn't expect to be out of work, debt couldn't be paid off as planned, now my credit is bad, and the only way I can see out is to get a decent job, which I've not been able to do. I see LE as a good, stable career that would allow me to catch up with bills and obligations, but at the same time those bills and obligations might keep me out. Do hiring agencies take life-circumstances, the reasons for the debt, for example, and losing a job in a crappy economy, into consideration when looking at the credit history?

I have never refused to pay, but I have not always been able to pay. I have also said I will pay when I can, which sometimes is the best I can do. Am I just screwed?

[nasa808]

Depends on the Agency. If I were you, I would just place a call to the police departments that you are interested in seeking employment and talk to a recruiter.

Good Luck!

[fishAK]

I always let them know, both on the background packets and in the interviews about it, but nobody has ever told me how much weight they place on it. I was hoping to get an idea from someone who is involved in hiring as to what, if any, consideration is given to the circumstances revolving around the debt. I realize departments are different, but would like to get some idea from someone on here involved in the hiring process. Once you start the application process with anyone they don't have to tell you anything including why they didn't hire you, and frankly they never do.

I've also found that recruiters tend to encourage applying no matter what I've asked them, including this.

[mikeymedic]

Like stated above it depends on the agency. Mine didn't check when I was hired...not that it would have mattered.