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Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:41 pm
by Skaven
Hey,
Got a request for some advice. I have been an engineering major now for about 2 years, and honestly there has only been 2 things I have wanted to be. An LEO, FBI, Investigator, or an engineer. I have reached a point, where my brain can not handle any more advanced mathematics. I am contemplating the switch, but I don't especially have the greatest credit report. Will this deep six my chances of working for the FBI, CIA, or any other Law enforcement agency?
Re: Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:47 pm
by pbwalker
It can for federal jobs. I can't speak for local LEO.
They look at it as a security risk. Poor credit? No money? Easy to bribe... (at least that's how it was explained to me when working toward a Top Secret clearance)
Finish up your school, and work on fixing your credit in the meantime. It's easy and don't let any of those "credit repair" places sucker you in. It can all be done for free.
Re: Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:52 pm
by Skaven
Oh no, I wont be suckered into credit repair. I know the only way to fix it is to pay down debt, pay on time, and don't max your cards.
Re: Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:54 pm
by WildBill
Skaven wrote:Hey,
Got a request for some advice. I have been an engineering major now for about 2 years, and honestly there has only been 2 things I have wanted to be. An LEO, FBI, Investigator, or an engineer. I have reached a point, where my brain can not handle any more advanced mathematics. I am contemplating the switch, but I don't especially have the greatest credit report. Will this deep six my chances of working for the FBI, CIA, or any other Law enforcement agency?
No matter what career you decide finish your degree first. As far as bad credit, it will hinder getting any kind of security clearance or LEO job. Many companies who hire engineers do credit checks for all new hires. In general, bad credit is a chain around your neck that will sink you if you don't get a handle on it.
Re: Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:32 pm
by gigag04
How old are you? Credit is a factor at every level of LE. These jobs are competitive. I had poor credit in the past - it shows poor self restraint, and lack of commitment. You need a bachelors degree to go anywhere in LE. Not to get hired, but if you start a career as an Leo now w/o a degree, you'll be at a significant disadvantage.
Finish school. Get stable. Show good work history.
Also - nobody is hiring 1811 jobs right now (FBI, dhs, dea, usms, ss). Even if you want to be a gman, cut your teeth on the street. The tactics you learn there will keep you alive.
Re: Working for a law enforcment agency
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:40 pm
by Skaven
I'm 26 years old. I am at a point now where I can get a criminal justice degree in 1-2 years. I have all the core knocked out, and have not added to any debt in the last 2-3 years. I am going for a bachelors degree, and I think that I would want to start out as a street officer. I have always had a good work history. since I was 17 only had 2 jobs (never fired).