firearm ownership, phs packet

[swhatb]

when filling out the phs/background packet for an officer position the packet asks to include all make, model and description of firearms owned. when asked for clarification was mentioned to include additional statement of use frequency and purpose. what should one put down, what is legally required? how should one address this requirement and other needed, requested info.

[Cpl. Haas]

I'm assuming this is for a law enforcement background investigation?

Simple answer: don't lie.

Expect to be polygraphed and have every detail of your life scrutinized by a highly-trained investigator... I'm literally talking up to, and including, digging through your trashcan to see if you tossed a bunch of "barely legal" porn just prior to your meeting. If you lie... even about the most innocuous thing... you will fail the BI and be blackballed by every other department out there. Another thing you'll probably see in your packet is that they require you list every other LE agency you've applied with in the past.

So my common-sense advice? Unless you've got illegal NFA firearms stashed under your floorboards, list the guns and explain their purpose (protection, target shooting, competition, hunting, etc.). You're not gonna fail your BI for owning firearms... you might not be chosen to move on in the hiring process if the department follows that kind of mindset, but then you can at least move on to another department without having this one haunt you.

[gonzo1510]

What PD was this? I was never asked if I owned firearms let alone list them... is this something new? As for the rest of the advice ...always always always ...tell the truth.