Please advise.

[Luch]

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[pkagel]

I have buddies who have a lot worse bkgds than that. Keep your nose clean and you'll only have those two things to explain. Shouldn't be much of a worry.

[lawdog1971]

Honestly, the only thing you may have to worry about is the bankruptcy and even that may not pose an insurmountable problem. The purse thing is not a big deal at all since you returned it and charges were ever filed. Most agencies do carefully examine credit reports, though, mainly to verify that you are paying your debts and maintaining financial responsibility. Even if your current file shows nothing is paid late, the bankruptcy will stay with you for ten years. But you did say that you were planning to wait four years before applying, so that should give you sufficient time to better your credit.

Good luck!

[Luch]

See what I mean, brotherhood.

Thanks for the advise. I feel better now. I understand the credit issue, and feel bad about it. I also feel I had no options. It's not like I just did not want to pay my bills. I hope the departments I apply to understand that.

Thanks!

[pkagel]

That is what will save you. You tell them your story and most will understand. Now, if you were like most guys your age and just blew your money like a crazy man and then filed ch13 then that would be a whole different story. I'd also, right now, put a letter in your credit file stating the whole story and why you had to file. Won't help your #'s but will go to credibility when you apply and the bkgd officer sees a 4 year old letter w/ the same explaination of why you had to file.

See what I mean, brotherhood.

Thanks for the advise. I feel better now. I understand the credit issue, and feel bad about it. I also feel I had no options. It's not like I just did not want to pay my bills. I hope the departments I apply to understand that.

Thanks!

[TODD JOHNSON]

Hey Bro....

There are many fellow officers in the same situation you are. When I got into law enforcement I to had a bankruptcy. If your honest about your past and explain EVERYTHING you will do just fine. I am going to share a situation with everyone here that I'm going through on another post very shortly I hope it will be a blessing or a help.