Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

I have an interview for a deputy sheriff%26#039;s position and my credit isn%26#039;t good at all. A police officer I talked to on myspace chat said a new law has been passed where thay can no longer check it. Is this true? Can someone point me to the written law? I am in Virginia. Thank you

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

In response to BACK AT YOU:

Part of the paperwork you fill out while completing you application is a release form allowing them to check into your credit. So there is no violation there. Why do you assume the police do it illegally?

Choosing not to hire you based on a bad credit report is not being prejudice. Law enforcement can be a very tempting field to pad your own pockets. It is not the norm, but you do hear about it all the time. In fact it is what most cop haters complain about the most. If you have chronic financial problems you are at even more of a risk.

So if the background check reveals that you use to have a drug problem and the police department does not hire you, are they also being prejudice? I mean just because you had a problem in the past does not mean you will do it again right?

As far as a new law being past, I have never heard of it. Like I said, they will give you a release form to fill out so they can check your credit. It is all part of the background investigation. If you do not fill it out and give the release, then it will send up all sorts of red lags for them.

My department will have you fix your credit (Payoff any outstanding debts) before they will hire you if your credit report is not in good standing. So just because you may have a not so perfect score does not mean your out of the game.

Good luck.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

I would think that would be a part of your entire background check.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

I don%26#039;t know about that. The purpose - or one of the purposes - of doing a credit/finance check is to see if you have money problems, especially chronic problems.

If you do then you are more apt to steal money from drug busts,etc., or open yourself up to bribes.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

I can assure you, that YES they can.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

You may have to grant authorization for them to run a credit check on you. That would be a matter of a simple form for you to sign.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

Yes they still can and still do....a few yrs back it became part of all standard background processes for medium and larger departments...

Its all part of a consumer report that gets pulled on you to see what your spending habits and credit history is..when you applied to the dept you signed a waiver for the p.d. to conduct the background on you...

Now the big question is will it affect the outcome.? You need to keep in mind that this is only part of the entire process and is not the only determining factor in your background..Most cops historically have bad credit. Comes with the high divorce rate and low pay...

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

i%26#039;m pretty sure they can ck you%26#039;re credit--it%26#039;s a matter of integrity--they can%26#039;t have a police officer deep in debt-- makes a person more susceptible to bribery and such. however--i would say it would all depend on what is actually on the credit history. can%26#039;t help you with a written law though--sorry. and i agree with the poster above me--you probably signed a release in your application allowing them to ck your credit. most job applications contain one.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

Absolutely yes, a background check on all aspects of a prospective officers life can be looked into and should be, as part of the complete background investigation. I have conducted dozens of credit checks when I do a background investigation on all possible police hires. Police are held to a higher standard than the general public and should not have credit or money problems. Financial problems pose a risk of bribe taking, theft, and other related issues

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

Yes, it will be part of the hiring process! As everyone has stated you will have to sign a release Authorizing your records to be accessed, and failure to do so will result in your application not being completed, thereby making you ineligible for the job. As some have already said the REASON why your credit is such a big issue is because OBVIOUSLY if you are in debt to your eye balls, and you owe everyone and their brother money your integrity might be compromised when faced with a difficult situation, such as having LOTS of money in your face.. or just in general accepting bribes or unlawful work. Unless your credit is BEYOND bad, you will be fine! Most departments do not require EXCELLENT credit, however they do expect you to have some control over your spending and finances.

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

Yes....we do it on every new hire

Can local law enforcement check credit report in hiring process??

What the heck does your credit rating have to do with your qualifications for employment?

Banks and lenders need your permission first to check your credit rating. ANYONE checking your credit, even your oil and gas company, needs your permission to do so. You can check who has snooped into your credit report, because all inquiries are logged in. If you ever find a cop snooped in to consider the information to hire you, you%26#039;re in the gravy for a nice lawsuit.

Assuming that because you may be poor or tight on your payments you will make a dishonorable cop is prejudice. They could very well assume you are getting a job to get your finances together.

But if you are still in doubt, contact the town%26#039;s human resources department to inquire and put your mind at ease.