Any current LEO's come from a corporate background?

[469881Q]

Are there any current LEO's whom have come from a corporate background? Preferably a Manager or Director type position in a business. If so how did you handle the BI coming to your place of employment? If you didn't get the LEO job, was your current job effected and how did the people you supervise react to now knowing you don't want to be there?

If you didn't get the the job at the first Dept. you had a background done, how did your boss and/or subordinates handle multiple background investigators coming to your employer?

That whole process of the BI coming to my current employer honestly floors me, especially in this economy. I would be taking huge monetary sacrifices to become a LEO, have responsibilities of paying my mortgage, bills, and putting food in my children's mouths. And would jeopardize everything by having a BI come to me employer; who truthfully is going to freak out when he finds out.

And right now I have 5 applications in to local departments. I might be able to get away with one BI coming to my current employer if they did it extremely discreetly. But if I didn't get hired, my job would be history in short order. And if the other 4 didn't work out there is a serious chance I'd find myself unemployed in a country with a 10% unemployment rate.

And obviously Dept.'s are are looking for the most responsible, mature and well rounded candidates possible for the very few positions available. Jeopardizing my entire livelihood and my family's well-being doesn't sound too responsible to me. Sure it would be no problem if I was early twenties and had no responsibilities but I'm now in my upper thirties with 15 years of a career behind me. Any input is appreciated from those who went through this same thing.

Edit: Sorry so long.

[Scout0315]

I just had my BI for a Fed Leo position. The investigator conducted the interview at my employer. I tried to deflect it, no dice. They interviewed at random, my employees (I manage two groups), and interviewed my boss and previous boss at my employer.

The investigator is not paid to be discreet. They are paid to check you out. They will ask, “will so and so make a good agent, officer, sheriff.” They start the interview, "so and so is seeking employment with this #### Agency, I am conducting an investigation into their suitability". It is what it is.

They will also interview your neighbors, ask your friends who else knows you and interview them.

In fed law enforcement it could be a year or two after this that I even get a school date. It is very disruptive and risky to your current employment.

You must consider this when applying to law enforcement. Law enforcement is not like anything else.

[469881Q]

Thank you for your response. And please if you're a BI don't take what I'm about to say as condescending because I see how they might need to do that.

But what about the single guys just out of college working odd jobs or as a landscaper or something else where the jobs are plentiful? Or the self-employed for that matter. They have nothing to worry about yet my entire life could easily be turned upside down.

...I know there is no answer except sometimes life isn't fair.

[just joe]

If the risk is not acceptable, don't apply for the job. You're in a tough spot. A BI will do what they are paid to do. If that is going to get you fired and leave you unable to provide fo your family, I would say that it is not a good idea to apply.

[tester1]

Bi

I am currently self employed, but the investigator never contacted my office, I do have two partners and nobody heard a word. I think because if you are self-employed there probaly is not to much info. to gather, since your your employees would most likely be biast in their bosses favor.
They did contact my previous employment by mail, but other that it was the run of the mill talk to the neighbors etc. Regardless my partners understand why I am pursuing a carreer in L.E. so that would not have been an issue.
The good news is I was given an academy spot for the end of this month, if I pass the power test. So all in all it was a smooth process with a liitle over a year start to finish. Best of luck to you.

[PhilipCal]

Thank you for your response. And please if you're a BI don't take what I'm about to say as condescending because I see how they might need to do that.

But what about the single guys just out of college working odd jobs or as a landscaper or something else where the jobs are plentiful? Or the self-employed for that matter. They have nothing to worry about yet my entire life could easily be turned upside down.

...I know there is no answer except sometimes life isn't fair.

I'm assuming that YOU made the decision to apply to a Law Enforcement agency. I further assume that no one held a pistol to your head, twisted your arm, or threatened your family, all to induce you to apply. Forgive me if I sound a little sarcastic, but I'm merely attempting to convey a point to you. Background Investigations, to be valid, must be thorough. To be thorough, we do interview supervisors and co-workers. Even those who might be somewhat hostile to the idea of your leaving. That's a risk you take when you apply. We assume that your application was submitted in good faith, and with the full intent on your part to accept employment if offered. It's possible that you could request the Background Investigator to interview your current employer as the last check he makes. This request is routinely granted, but you have to realize that sooner or later, your current employer will be interviewed. The only suggestion I can offer you is that, if you're really concerned that your current employment will be jeopardized, you withdraw your Law Enforcement application. I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make.

[469881Q]

I'm assuming that YOU made the decision to apply to a Law Enforcement agency. I further assume that no one held a pistol to your head, twisted your arm, or threatened your family, all to induce you to apply. Forgive me if I sound a little sarcastic, but I'm merely attempting to convey a point to you. Background Investigations, to be valid, must be thorough. To be thorough, we do interview supervisors and co-workers. Even those who might be somewhat hostile to the idea of your leaving. That's a risk you take when you apply. We assume that your application was submitted in good faith, and with the full intent on your part to accept employment if offered. It's possible that you could request the Background Investigator to interview your current employer as the last check he makes. This request is routinely granted, but you have to realize that sooner or later, your current employer will be interviewed. The only suggestion I can offer you is that, if you're really concerned that your current employment will be jeopardized, you withdraw your Law Enforcement application. I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make.

You know, my wife told me to stop being such a baby and take a risk for once in my life. I'm guessing I have to listen to her! Thanks for the replies, always appreciated.

[NHNSP_ADMIN]

I have found that yes. One of the LT that i work with was a bank executive.
I'm a computer nerd who would like to try to become a officer...

[shotgunnar]

I was a truck driver

[VSPClem]

Be upfront with your boss. Tell them that you are testing the waters, but you enjoy your current job, and will continue to give them 100% the entire time you are with them.

Perhaps letting them know ahead of time will soften any blow they may feel once the BI actually shows up.

[NHNSP_ADMIN]

My angle is to get a Part Time position some where. Like VSPClem said testing the waters is always a good idea...

[flyer2007]

Be upfront with your boss. Tell them that you are testing the waters, but you enjoy your current job, and will continue to give them 100% the entire time you are with them.

Perhaps letting them know ahead of time will soften any blow they may feel once the BI actually shows up.

This is exactly what I did, and my boss was very understanding. I'm a group insurance underwriter and recently received final offer for Atlanta PD. I have to let them know if I accept or decline by Tuesday.

[469881Q]

Just wondering, in your situation did they just interview your boss, or was it your boss and coworkers?

[flyer2007]

Just wondering, in your situation did they just interview your boss, or was it your boss and coworkers?

They only sent a form to the supervisor. For local police jobs, I think it is rare for them to actually come to your place of work. I think most of the time they just call or send a form for your supervisor to complete.

BIs typically come to your place of work when you are going through the process for the Fed agencies, and I believe they interview your supervisor and coworkers.

[flyer2007]

Your profile says that you're "currently unemployed." What happened?

I don't think I have updated the profile since I joined the forums, and I got my current job in June 2008 and am still there.