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MolonLabe wrote:Any thoughts on my anxiety about applying for a civilian job at a police department. It's a very involved hiring process, that includes admitting to any "questionable" past behaviors or indiscretions. Except for a bit of shananigans (no run-ins with the law) in my younger years, I don't have much to be concerned about. But we are talking about every skeleton in the closet being revealed, password access to Facebook etc, having my husband and my family member's info looked into.. etc( complete with lie-detector test). This is where my tin-foil hat comes in. With the way our 2nd amendment rights are being gradually chipped away, I'm struggling with the overall concept of voluntarily incriminating myself to a government agency for fear of "any excuse" to strip away my freedoms down the line. Paranoid or logical?

You have to decide if you want the job or not. Part of working at a LE agency is having access to confidential information, ect. Certain positions give you more access then others. There are many admin jobs that are vital to the department function. Dispatchers are also very important. I do backgrounds and they are a lot of work. If you choose to go forward, I recommend following the instructions and filling it out properly, and submit all required paperwork. When I get a stack, I look for the ones done properly first. Keep a copy of YOUR background. If you decide to apply to another agency, you want those backgrounds to say the same thing I wouldn't sweat the poly. I have had to do them before. Just another tool to see if you were honest on your background statement.

I noted on our background forms now asks for Facebook. I don't recall the password being on there. That would irk me. Just a sign of the times as many employers are asking for that info. Just the user name, and have read that people are being asked to log on during interviews. Be careful what you put on line. Too many snitches out there anyhow . Many places will not allow you to state where your work, put photos, ect up on social media.

SF18C wrote:I currently have a Top Secret Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, I had Full Scope (Lifestyle) Annex P polys, I must submit annual financial discourse statements (OGE 45o's) AND no one has ever asked for my Facebook account!

Most of the tier one/two guys I know don't field as many complaints as most LEOs ;). I think you guys are generally viewed more favorably than LEOs. Not sure if that's why. Most of them are intentionally very vague on their social media.

gigag04 wrote:

SF18C wrote:I currently have a Top Secret Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, I had Full Scope (Lifestyle) Annex P polys, I must submit annual financial discourse statements (OGE 45o's) AND no one has ever asked for my Facebook account!

Most of the tier one/two guys I know don't field as many complaints as most LEOs ;). I think you guys are generally viewed more favorably than LEOs. Not sure if that's why. Most of them are intentionally very vague on their social media.

Valid points!

To the OP, in my experience...100% full-frontal, all encompassing, cut-to-the-bone honesty is the best policy...you aint gotta be a saint, just can't be a liar!

Since I don't have a facebook account, would I have to get one to apply?

I applied to the local PD back in 1986 when I was 21. I took a test they gave and found it incredibly easy while everyone in the room was agonizing over it, and when interviewed I was completely honest. But since I recently (within the previous six months) quit using pot they declined to hire me. I haven't indulged since, but I guess I wasn't cut out to be a cop.

texanjoker wrote:

MolonLabe wrote:Any thoughts on my anxiety about applying for a civilian job at a police department. It's a very involved hiring process, that includes admitting to any "questionable" past behaviors or indiscretions. Except for a bit of shananigans (no run-ins with the law) in my younger years, I don't have much to be concerned about. But we are talking about every skeleton in the closet being revealed, password access to Facebook etc, having my husband and my family member's info looked into.. etc( complete with lie-detector test). This is where my tin-foil hat comes in. With the way our 2nd amendment rights are being gradually chipped away, I'm struggling with the overall concept of voluntarily incriminating myself to a government agency for fear of "any excuse" to strip away my freedoms down the line. Paranoid or logical?

You have to decide if you want the job or not. Part of working at a LE agency is having access to confidential information, ect. Certain positions give you more access then others. There are many admin jobs that are vital to the department function. Dispatchers are also very important. I do backgrounds and they are a lot of work. If you choose to go forward, I recommend following the instructions and filling it out properly, and submit all required paperwork. When I get a stack, I look for the ones done properly first. Keep a copy of YOUR background. If you decide to apply to another agency, you want those backgrounds to say the same thing I wouldn't sweat the poly. I have had to do them before. Just another tool to see if you were honest on your background statement.

I noted on our background forms now asks for Facebook. I don't recall the password being on there. That would irk me. Just a sign of the times as many employers are asking for that info. Just the user name, and have read that people are being asked to log on during interviews. Be careful what you put on line. Too many snitches out there anyhow . Many places will not allow you to state where your work, put photos, ect up on social media.

Thanks TJ, good advice. Maybe you could help me with this question then? If you looked at an application and I answered <20+ years ago for an answer(and not a specific date) would you think that was an appropriate answer for certain questions. I have only had two traffic tickets in my life and truthfully can't remember the exact dates. They were in a different state and I think that it would be close to impossible to give details because I honestly can't recall specifics. I had that issue with several questions, including certain "potential incriminating" ones. They were a lifetime ago and I can only give estimates on the details. Or would you read into that as unprofessional and a bit suspicious? Thanks

Nobody cares about a traffic ticket 20 years ago. The issue on tickets would be recent that effect insurance, ect.

check your pm

MolonLabe wrote:Any thoughts on my anxiety about applying for a civilian job at a police department. It's a very involved hiring process, that includes admitting to any "questionable" past behaviors or indiscretions. Except for a bit of shananigans (no run-ins with the law) in my younger years, I don't have much to be concerned about. But we are talking about every skeleton in the closet being revealed, password access to Facebook etc, having my husband and my family member's info looked into.. etc( complete with lie-detector test). This is where my tin-foil hat comes in. With the way our 2nd amendment rights are being gradually chipped away, I'm struggling with the overall concept of voluntarily incriminating myself to a government agency for fear of "any excuse" to strip away my freedoms down the line. Paranoid or logical?

List all of your "questionable" past behaviors, indiscretions, and shananigans and we'll let you know what your anxiety/paranoia level should be. I wouldn't be too worried about!!

FishInTx wrote:List all of your "questionable" past behaviors, indiscretions, and shananigans and we'll let you know what your anxiety/paranoia level should be. I wouldn't be too worried about!!

I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you......unless you are offering me a job position with full medical and dental?