can bad credit inhibit you from joining the police force?

Question

crap i did mean prohibit

dunce level = 56

Answer 1

Yes.
Look at it this way: if you don't pay your debts, how can they expect you to be honest in upholding and enforcing the law?
Most police forces do credit checks, and include the results in their evaluations -- and rightly so.

Answer 2

Absolutely it can inhibit you from joining the poilce force. The degree of credit problems can determine how severely it limits you.
As the other poster commented, someone who is not paying their bills is going to be a propertionately greater risk for the temptations of not turning in money, etc.
Right or wrong, it's a tool used by a lot of departments including the one I worked at for 21 years. If you really want to be a cop, be responsible, live within your means and pay things as they are due.
Eventually your credit will be postively impacted and your chances will be better. I also offer you this advice, take college classes as this is rapidly becoming a requirement at most agencies to get hired and a MUST for promotions.

Answer 3

Yes, a lot of HR departments require a credit check in order to assess your level of personal responsibility. In a position like a police officer which requires loads of self-management and responsibility bad credit can be an indicator that a person is not appropriate for the job.

Answer 4

I agree with Lovely B and Elaine C. Many companies now perform credit checks to see how far in debt you truly are, and as Lovely B said it could make it more likely that you would accept bribes, etc. As Elaine stated, it also shows how responsible of a person you are. If you are unable to manage your finances then how would you be able to manage your job, etc. It may not exclude you exclusively, but it most definitely will be a hinderance. Your best bet is to begin cleaning up your credit, you could even try credit counseling. At the very least, it would show prospective employers that you are trying to get your life together.

Answer 5

Actually - yes. It is a measure of character and self control if you are unable to balance your personal life how can you serve the needs of others without distraction? It may seem unfair but in order to build a better police force many departments are looking at credit worthiness as a measure of fortitude.

Answer 6

If this were the anything but the 2000's, then no. But I'm afraid they do credit checks for many community service related jobs nowadays.

I think it's a big load that bad credit can affect the way you make money to FIX your credit. It's all a big racket...

Answer 7

It is possible. It just depends on the agencies qualifying criteria and how bad your credit is. Fear not, most agencies understand when some people have bad credit due to situations such as divorce. But if you just can't pay your bills on time you may have a hard time finding a job.

Answer 8

Different departments have different requirements. I currently work for a department that didn't do any kind of credit check. But when I was looking for a job, two of the departments I checked out required a credit report. It all depends on the particular department and what they require.

Answer 9

LOL, I think you meant to say prohibit, not inhibit. Yes, depending on how bad your credit is, it can keep you from getting hired. But, the corruption should inhibit you, unless you're eager to join the dark side!

Answer 10

No. It can inhibit you from joining with some federal agencies, but not a local policy force. Don't worry about it - worry about passing the exam and physical - you'll be fine.