Couple of questions about getting hired

[BostonFan]

I have a potential opportunity to get hired as a CSO at a local PD in my area to get my foot in the door to becoming a sworn officer. I just wanted to see if anyone took this path on their way to becoming a LEO.

Also, I know some PDs are very picky when it comes to hiring applicants with bad credit. I don't have bad credit but I had a spot there in 2008 where I missed a few payments due to losing my job and I didn't get a full grasp on it until last year and I'm still trying to amend what was done. I've got a few blemishes on my report and had one account in bad standing but everything has been cleared up for almost 6 months of being on a program with a debt counseling company. How much do you guys think this will affect me getting hired? Even though I had the blemishes I've since taken the corrective actions to take care of them and I'm in the process of paying off my debts so I'm hoping they will understand especially in this economy.

Thanks guys!

[retired]

There is a + and a - to your credit problem.

On the plus side, you have been making an effort to correct the problem and IMO, most depts. realize the loss of a job in this economy will have an effect on one's ability to pay their bills.

The minus side is when contemplating hiring someone with a credit problem and someone without one, everything else being equal or pretty close to equal, the dept. will probably go with the latter.

That said, since you would be entering as a CSO, you will have time on your side since you aren't becoming an officer right away. If your intention is to become sworn in two years or so, the positive credit record you have established during that period will certainly help in your endeavor to be hired.

Keep in mind tho, every dept. has different policies. You should check with a back round investigator from the dept. as to how the dept. will look at your record.

Good luck.

[Big D]

What dept?

[bRiT636]

CSO = Crime scene officer?

[Dirtbiker]

Community Service Officer.

They provide a valuable service to depts. They take many of the non pressing reports (vandalism, vehicle burgs, lost property) and keep the load off of sworn personnel. They also man the front desk at the station.

[bRiT636]

Community Service Officer.

They provide a valuable service to depts. They take many of the non pressing reports (vandalism, vehicle burgs, lost property) and keep the load off of sworn personnel. They also man the front desk at the station.

ty

[Unit74]

We have hired a few out of the CSO ranks... It seems that those who are too young to get hired go this route. They still have to go through the motions of getting the sworn position later, but it's certainly a shoe-in if you are a good employee.

[BostonFan]

Thanks for all of the help guys!

[fullrearview]

Your credit doesnt sound like a big issue. Some dept.s wont have anything to do with a person that has been late even once on a payment. Others will look at the bigger picture. Just be able to articulate what steps you took to rectify the situation. I had a simular issue, it was more severe, but everything was justifiable,(helping family) and they let me explain it.

[fal_762x51]

Sacramento?