Credit History question...

[LVMPD1981]

Hi all...im awaiting my final review here in vegas, and i was wondering how can my credit effect me going into the academy? Is this something they look at with a critical view or not? Ive had a more than a few lates on credit cards due to a few weeks unemployment...im just now catching up and getting current....I let me detective know that there are late payments and that I was in the process of catching up....what do you guys think? Will it effect me badly?

[irishlad2nv]

Sometime it can affect you, other times it might not. It all depends on how they (the dept) looks at it and what their policy is. I mean if it shows you were delinquent several times, whether you were employed or not. You still have to get those payments made. Most depts. do not want someone with bad credit working for them, because sometimes it will affect themself in the workplace and it can be a discredit to the OFC. or to the Dept.

[pd821]

Usually if you can get documentation from the card companies or creditors showing that you have been updating your payments or attempting to get them paid off, it looks favorable.I know alot agencies have strict policy issue on credit problems,because if hired they dont want you being suseptable to taking bribes based on your financial situation. I know it sounds cheesy,but theres been officers who've done it,got caught and stated they needed the money to get ahead with there finances.

[lawdog1971]

It doesn't look good if you have late payments on your credit report.

[manniax]

I found in my background check that honesty was the best policy. When I explained my financial situation and the reason why I had a few late payments, the interviewer seemed to understand. Actually, I was kind of dreading the board interview but it was one of the easiest parts of the whole process. I think being up front and honest made it go a lot easier.