LE careers and credit score

[UCOLA]

So a friend has been contemplating applying for
Los Angeles sheriffs or riverside. He went through a divorce that pretty much ruined his credit ( let car go, certain bills not outragous he says its under 10k) does that automatically discharge you? Alot of the cards were charged off so I didn't know how important that part was in backround check no felonies or arrests in his record.

[BoJackUSMC]

Credit history is very important and they know times are hard right now so they usually look at their score case by case.

[Eikbyrnir]

So a friend has been contemplating applying for
Los Angeles sheriffs or riverside. He went through a divorce that pretty much ruined his credit ( let car go, certain bills not outragous he says its under 10k) does that automatically discharge you? Alot of the cards were charged off so I didn't know how important that part was in backround check no felonies or arrests in his record.

I went through pretty much the exact same thing about 2 years before I got hired. It wasn't an issue for me. I was a lateral though and came from a pretty well known city so that may have helped as they really wanted me. As long as he's done better since his BK though, I think it should be okay.

[Notorious]

It's a matter of how it came to that, if the background guy isn't lazy, that is.

You will realize there are good BI's and there are bad BI's. The good ones actually take their time and review the cases instead of just looking for automatic DQ's to get rid of caseload. He doesn't think there are people's lives on the line whenever he makes a lazy decision.

A bankruptcy because you went on a shopping spree and charged off a ton of cards and walked away is different than say a guy who had a big medical thing for his family or messy divorce that caused it all. Surely you can see the difference too, no?

My buddy had a bad credit situation where he couldn't find work and his student loans were killing his credit, but he tried and kept paying as much as he can. The BI recognized the situation for what it was and recommended him because he saw the whole person, and not just the score. My buddy eventually made sergeant within a few years and was one of the best they had. Imagine if they just decided to toss him?

[KD714]

He needs to negotiate to pay off his out standing debts. Most departments see it as a sign of irresponsiblity and will DQ you. Besides for every spot there are a ton of people that are applying why would any department take on the risk of hiring someone with such a bad history. Tell him to fix it first before applying.