Background DQ

[keishahudson]

Hey Guys,
I just had my background interview yesterday and I was very honest about everything that I have done in the past. The investigator acted like some of the stuff wasn't a big deal. He said that my file had to go to his supervisor then the office of personnel then I would be contacted which could take from 2 weeks to 30 days. He seemed to be in a rush to get me out of the office at the end of the interview so I didn't have the opportunity to ask any real questions. If he thought I wouldn't make a good cop because of my background, you think he would of told me that day? Or does the decision come from the people above him that also reviews my file. I had a girlfriend that applied and thought everything was fine until she didn't hear anything from them so she called and they told her she to much criminal activity in her background. I think if they thought that they should've told her the day of her interview. Does anyone have an opinon out there?

[Delta_V]

Originally posted by keishahudson
If he thought I wouldn't make a good cop because of my background, you think he would of told me that day? Or does the decision come from the people above him that also reviews my file.

Everything has to be checked out, so it's hard for them to tell you something in the beginning. The final hiring decision is not up to the BI, however you won't get hired if you don't pass their investigation. Usually a department will select from a pool of applicants, so if you're up against a lot of people with cleaner backgrounds, you have less of a chance.

[topgun3131]

If you mind me asking what department? I was bounced not too long ago from NYSP but, they said that the information is confidentional and they can not tell me why i was dq'd. Although there is alot of steps involved, I know it wasn't my backround. The only thing that is a concern for me and others like yourself is...and maybe our fellow officers and retires can answer this question: Now since ppl like us get bounced out by undisclosed reasons...does this raise a Red flag for other departments in the hiring processes? Will it show up on the NCIC report? Even on some apps they ask if you had applied to other law enforcments prior to this one....ofcourse you answer yes and then there is a spot where they ask you the Status of that app. you have to answer Dq'd (in my case i don't know why). Will this hurt you in any other deparments? Thanks "Top"

[Bart]

Originally posted by keishahudson
I had a girlfriend that applied and thought everything was fine until she didn't hear anything from them so she called and they told her she to much criminal activity in her background.

she had too much criminal activity in her background? how many arrests does it take to be considered too much criminal activity to be a cop? id figure any criminal activity in the background would be disqualifying.

[Delta_V]

Originally posted by Bart
id figure any criminal activity in the background would be disqualifying.

I'm with you there. I'd say that ANY criminal activity should be too much criminal activity.

[topgun3131]

Understanding that if a friend or girlfriend has been in trouble prior, should have nothing to do with the applicant. It's not the applicant's fault that his/her friend or mate has had a prior history. Also, everyone has a criminal backround....if it is taking candy, soda, alcohol while you were younger and never got caught to types of mischief (as a teen) shouldn't be held against you.....for being too honest?

[keishahudson]

Thank for replying guys. In regards to my friend that was DQ'ed. She has no prior criminal history it was her husband that did and probably still sells drugs. She knew she had to be honest about the whole thing because they will ask you on the poly if you are holding anything back from the investigator and if she didn't tell them'she would be. So, i guess when they say criminal activity they mean her husband, he's in and out of jail and since he sells drugs she has to be around them too. This was PGCP. I don't have a history like that. I am not saying I don't have skeletons in my closet but I am not around stuff like that. I am now a little worried about the stuff that I did do. Can you guys let me know what you think? When I was 18 and younger I worked at a fast food place (age 15-16) and a diner (16-18). I took the cash from customers to pay for their food and put it in my pocket instead of the register. I did this a few times. I am very ashamed. When I told the BI he said he wasn't a big deal we all do stuff like that but now since I know others are reading my file, I don't know. I also, forged an insurance letter (age 19) to state that I had insurance on a car and gave it to a private seller who just happened to work for a small dealership. I had a small note that I was paying him so he required that I have full coverage but I couldn't afrford it. The car wasn't from the dealership though. I also stole when I was 14 from a mall and was arrested but let go and never went to court or anything. The investigator says there probably won't be a juvenile record of it. What do you guys think.

[Delta_V]

IMO, the insurance incident should DQ you. Here that constitutes second degree forgery, which is a felony. I believe that, combined with your past actions of shoplifting and then the subsequent workplace thefts, shows a pattern of disregard for the law.

That said, if you just so happen to be a black female, they might look the other way. I'm not trying to start a debate here, just pointing out the fact that lots of departments are more 'forgiving' of the backgrounds of minorities, especially female minorities. I don't agree with this one bit, but it's the truth.

[keishahudson]

In fact I am a black female, and I am not trying to start a debate nor am I offended by your remark but I am just wondering what makes you believe that? Have you seen it first hand. I've been thinking about about something and I wonder what do you think. My paper work is with the supervisor then office of personnel right now so I am wondering if they are doing the initially background like checking records and verifying financial situations, like mortgages, taxes, etc and when they are finished my file will go to the BI which is actually the field investigator who goes out and talk to references, employers, etc. Do you think this is how it works? And if something doesn't checkout during the first stage background check with the other folks then you get a DQ letter.

[topgun3131]

Maybe the insurance thing did do it but, never the less to say the minority thing maybe true as well. But they will not tell you that.....is it right? No it isn't nor is telling the truth and later regreting it. Its rough when someone discloses information that was in the past and you have never been either caught or been in trouble for. Thats why there is several questions about your past on the pre-poly. Where the question my ask you: "Are you now lying about any undetected crime?"....I had that question on my poly and I am sure they are different everywhere else. I don't think it is right for them to judge you on the things of the past...my BI told me they hire ppl with misdameanors and I was like "wow"..thinking to myself that I don't have that but that is good because i am a shoe in then....didn't turn out that way..

[keishahudson]

U think? Even though I was a teenager. That's tough. U don't think they would said something to me about being DQ'ed that day? He was back and forth with his supervisor and they asked me to write a statement explaining what happened. Why wouldn't they have told me then if the supervisor was reviewing the file right then and there?

[Bart]

Originally posted by keishahudson
In regards to my friend that was DQ'ed. She has no prior criminal history it was her husband that did and probably still sells drugs. She knew she had to be honest about the whole thing because they will ask you on the poly if you are holding anything back from the investigator and if she didn't tell them'she would be. So, i guess when they say criminal activity they mean her husband, he's in and out of jail and since he sells drugs she has to be around them too.

maybe your friend should consider auditioning for that show "divorce court".

[Delta_V]

Originally posted by keishahudson
In fact I am a black female, and I am not trying to start a debate nor am I offended by your remark but I am just wondering what makes you believe that? Have you seen it first hand. I've been thinking about about something and I wonder what do you think. My paper work is with the supervisor then office of personnel right now so I am wondering if they are doing the initially background like checking records and verifying financial situations, like mortgages, taxes, etc and when they are finished my file will go to the BI which is actually the field investigator who goes out and talk to references, employers, etc. Do you think this is how it works? And if something doesn't checkout during the first stage background check with the other folks then you get a DQ letter.

There are a lot of departments in the country that are under so much pressure to hire minority applicants, they are more willing to let things slide in the backgrounds of minority candidates. I haven't seen it firsthand here, but it is currently happening about 75 miles north of me in Cincy.

As to the rest of the question, the background interview normally comes before the investigation starts. After the investigation starts, the investigator will contact your references and check other things such as your financial history, criminal history, etc. After the investigation is complete, a decision is normally made as to whether or not the candidate passes.

Now that's how it normally is done. It could be different at the department where you applied.