Can You Become A Police Officer With Bad Credit Or Bankruptcy On Your Credit Report?
Many individuals who apply for positions in law enforcement worry about potential complications with their backgrounds, such as driving records or criminal history. Only a few of them consider the impact that their credit reports can have on them.
Why You Need to Check On Your Credit Score
Apart from knowing exactly the steps you need to take to become a police officer, you should also check your FICO scores and credit histories. The administrators in charge of reviewing the application are likely to be concerned with that aspect of your life.
In general, background investigators are not going to raise issues with some reasonable debt; they just want to ensure that you are consistently honoring your obligation to that debt.
Just as they will look for patterns of responsibility, they will also seek out patterns of irresponsibility via their credit score.
Law enforcement agencies may consider an applicant with financial burdens to be more likely to swipe cash during a residential alarm search. He may be more tempted to solicit a bribe, showing an inability to resist such temptations.
While only good behavior and time can straighten up the financial house, it is important to begin as soon as you feel that a career in law enforcement is for you. Below are some of the things you can do:
- Consistently pay bills on time
- Eliminate debt
- Use a secured, prepaid card, in the beginning, to help recover from a bankruptcy or bad credit score
See Also: How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Fast
Additionally, not having any outstanding loans or credit cards can also result in a low credit score. You need to take steps to obtain some form of credit. That way, you can demonstrate financial responsibility before your application.
As is the case in nearly every place of employment, there are exceptions. An applicant may still be accepted even with several poor marks on his credit.
To stand the best chance of receiving a job offer, you should review your credit score. Do the research necessary to ensure that it demonstrates financial responsibility and minimal debt.
