'Have you applied to another Department?'

[LochRaven]

On my background history form, it asks if "Have you ever filed an application (or awaiting the results of a filed application) with any Police Department or Law Enforcement Agency?"

I'm wondering what I should put down here. I've currently got two 'open' applications with other departments, but in the recent months I've applied to 6 others. I've told them myself (in an interview) about the other two, but did not mention the 6 others because, as far as I'm aware, they're at a 'stand-still'. One pushed me back to the next hiring cycle, one said I missed the testing, one is a previous employment that they are aware of (non LE), and three are federal positions that I'm sure will take a loooong time (two of which, from what I've read here, I'm fairly certain I will not even receive a call). Do I need to put the rest of these down to be safe, or is the spirit of the question really about potentially active / and active job application processes? I don't wish to lie about it, but to me, these other guys (the 5 for sure) aren't even in my mind.

Interestingly enough, I've been told by two officers recently to not mention ANY other department applications because the department may shy away from you. Guess they either didn't apply anywhere else, or something.

[ant_kem]

*Not Yet A LEO* I have been hired with a department, and we are always told at the academy to put down all information on your application. If you don't and they find out they may not hire you. They ask because they want to be able to check the application that you have in at another agency and make sure the information you gave them is accurate. I am not telling you what to do, just passing on some information.

[L-1]

The question if fairly simple, "Have you ever filed an application?" Based on what you posted, it appears you have files eight applications. If you only listed two and as a BI, I discovered that you applied to six more, I would dump you for being dishonest and because you lack the quality of thoroughness and have demonstrated an inability to follow simple written instructions, all of which are minimum requirements for the job. If you list two, this will no doubt show up as an area of deception on your poly.

The purpose in asking that question is to give the BI a chance to check with other agencies you applied with, to see if they found any grounds for DQ. By withholding that information, you create the appearance that you are covering something up. You need to be honest on all your background questions.

[LochRaven]

Thanks for the help. I don't want to be dishonest here, but then again I also don't want to waste their time with extra information - or give them the impression that their not at the top of my list. My only fear is they'll see lots of various applications and look for folks who have been more focused just on them or one other place. Since, as I've noted, an officer at a nearby jurisdiction told me they do.

I appreciate the help.

Edit- As was suggested over PM, I guess I'll just make a write up of where I've applied, including their status, so that it isn't just a HUGE list of other places.

Thanks again.

[L-1]

My only fear is they'll see lots of various applications and look for folks who have been more focused just on them or one other place.

The primary focus of the background is to verify that you possess the minimum qualifcatuons for the position (age, citizenship, education, etc.) and to determine if there is anything in your past that meets the criteria for DQ (criminal activity, unsatisfactory job performance, substance abuse, responsibility and integrity issues, etc.)

Having taken the test for several other agencies and then failed their backgrounds can hurt you, because it quickly points your BI to disqualifying areas. But having tested elsewhere and failed the written, oral, physical agility, or having passed and still being on another agency's hiring list should not affect your background with the agency you're testing with now.

[LA_Backgrounds]

Interestingly enough, I've been told by two officers recently to not mention ANY other department applications because the department may shy away from you. Guess they either didn't apply anywhere else, or something.

I cringe when I see comments from candidates like the one above. Most of the officers who make these types of comments have no clue what they're talking about when it comes to BG's. In fact, the times that I've heard that statement from candidates is during the interview when I'm confronting them about an issue their officer friends said not to mention. Anyone who listens to these types of know-it-alls should be prepared for the resulting dishonesty DQ.

L-1 is correct: List the all the agencies you've applied for. Every single one of them.

[SpecialBlend]

List any and all agencies for which you applied for, even if it's like the online test for the LAPD. It counts as applying for them and list it. When I took the IBI for the LAPD I hadn't applied to any other agency so I put down none. During the time between that and my BI I had applied to another department and didn't call Personnel and tell them. My BI asked me about it since it showed up. I didn't make it past the oral interview with that department (which was the second step after the physical test).

So yes, list every single one. And if you apply to another agency at anytime during your process, call your BI or someone who deals with your files and have them update it.

[LochRaven]

Yeah, I've got the list worked out - all the departments - EVER, that I can think of. All the way down to the student employment at my old university for the campus PD. I appreciate the tips. But as stated, just weird to hear from folks in the LE field suggesting to do otherwise then indicated. Its hard not to at least listen, seeing, of course, that they have the job.

Thanks Again.

[Stugotz]

List them all regardless of the current status or outcome. I reviewed my personal history form with my B.I. and saw that every one of the 20 or so agencies I ever applied to had been contacted...

[FLPD698]

I discovered that you applied to six more,

I guess that some agencies are now issue crystal balls or perhaps your BI’s are also psychic readers.

[LA_Backgrounds]

Not necessary. During the initial application phase the candidates usually have a credit check done. Every pre-employment inquiry by a potential employer shows up within a certain time period. Also, when a review is done at another agency it's not unusual to find additional applications listed.

That was a nice try at slamming L-1 though.

[Newboot24]

How about just telling the truth? I know, crazy concept.

[jnhdrac]

List them all, for 2 reasons. First, as others mentioned, if you are not honest and they find out, they will (and should) not hire you. Second, if they do not hire you because you have applied at other agencies, then I really have to wonder do you want to work there. The recruitment process is expensive for an agency, but you are not their property (at least until they give you a start date). For a variety of reasons, seemingly sure job prospects fall through. Departments have hiring freezes, reduced allocations, hiring deferred until next budget year etc. If you are looking for a job and only file one application, you either must be very confident that you will get that job, or not very serious about getting a police job. If that bothers a recruiter at one agency, I am confident that other agencies will compete for that candidate.

At least in my area, just about every agency is recruiting almost constantly, and they have to compete for a limited pool of qualified applicants. I see no reason to show loyalty to an any agency that has not offered you a job.