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Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> 10 Steps to Joining the Force
Step 6: Prepare For Your Background Check
81 Comments
The background check may be the most invasive experience you’ve had in your life. Everything about you will be checked out. Your character, your finances, your driving and criminal records. There information here will help you prepare for the background investigation:
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jameyfrank
almost 5 years ago
8 Comments
There is such a thing as being "too honest" as I was told. Do NOT volunteer anything they do not ask about. Minor technicalities can derail a recruitment process. The saying "loose lips sink ships" applies.
Anonymous
almost 5 years ago
I forgot to mention...... If you get caught in a lie with an agency during a background check you can assume that every single agency you try out for down the road with use and/or check in with that agency and you'll never get out of that cirlce. It will be simply easier for them to move onto the next applicant then take the chance that you'll lie to them and be a future liablilty.
Anonymous
almost 5 years ago
Case-by-Case... That's how many are looked at. They key to any question(s) is what comes after the simple "yes" or "no." You can't simply check the box on applications. You NEED to give good explinations to your actions and conduct in the space provided and then some... If you smoked something or did some drinking as a minor in school and your now in your late 20's-30's then you really have nothing to fear other then being caught in a fib. If your in your early 20's and straight out of school then you're going to have a harder time justifying your actions for miss-conduct, but most agencys will give you the chance to explain. However, when it comes down to you and your mistakes only you can take acountability! Best interview response to add at the end if your a younger applicant... "I took that experance and learned from it!"
danieldeuel
almost 5 years ago
2 Comments
my brother was very excited about joining the local police force, when asked about drug use he said he had used mirijuana 8 months prior to his interview, he was denied, I believe this to be a bit harsh, is this status quo for joining?
patrickrob
almost 5 years ago
4 Comments
Well i would honestly have to answer yes to all of those...when i was in middle school my friend downloaded a normal porn video that turned out to be child porn...it was a disgusting accident but never the less i couldn't say no to that. Who hasn't lied to their boss about some type of bull? An who hasn't stolen anything? we all make mistakes, that shouldn't disqualify you to serve your community. There should be some type of leniancy when it comes to the explanations for your answers.
a_iverson629
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
To DennyUSMC, I would hope you would answer No! And that it was true.
DennyUSMC
about 5 years ago
160 Comments
"• Have you ever looked at child porn"
HOW DO U ANSWER THIS? AND I WONDER WHAT HAPPENS IF ITS THE WRONG ANSWER LOL!
leeroy77
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
When can I get started? I need a career. Its either the military or this.
rockerman
about 5 years ago
18 Comments
sounds good to me
trelovell
about 5 years ago
146 Comments
I got denied for an agency for voluntary admissions. All of the stuff in question was when I was a young teen between 13 and 18. I am now 28, when do they no longer care about what is in your background.
BBarto
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
what if you have felonys within the last 5 to 10 years for 2nd degree burglary possesstion of marijuania and drug paraphineilia and probation violations
shstrach
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
Most agencies will allow up to $500.00 in collections.
dperks8
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
Thanks!!
colden123
over 5 years ago
2 Comments
How about your debt and if you have things in collection do they look at that?
jeanbaptiste5498
over 5 years ago
2 Comments
no comment