Bankruptcy and the Police

Brassic

Can someone who works as a civillian for the police go bankrupt?

If the answer is yes, is it wise?

I am on probation atm as I only started 3 weeks ago. I am loving it and don't want to lose my job. I don't want to curtail my chances of advancement.

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

(Even more than usually) Brassic.

less2303

The simple answer is yes, there are civilian members and even Police Officers that have gone BR.

Saying that it would be down to each Force's individual policies.

If you look at the website for the Poilce Force in question, it may give you an indication of their policies.

The other alternative is to speak to the Human Resources department and ask them, if you feel you can.

Brassic

Gut response is - Gahhhhhhhhhhhh :eek: Really don't want to have to ask them

I've been discussing my situation here -> http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=357290

I'm not sure where to go or what to do from here.

Thanks for the response.

notmyrealusername

I'd advise you to check your contract, I'm a civilian Police worker and it's in my contract that I can't go bankrupt...

"The authority, may notwithstanding any terms of your employment, at any time by notice in writing terminate your employment with immediate effect:

If... a petition is presented or any order is made or any notice issued, convening a meeting for the purpose of passing a resolution for your bankruptcy or you become bankrupt OR MAKE ANY COMPOSITION OR ENTER INTO ANY DEED OF ARRANGEMENT WITH YOUR CREDITORS GENERALLY;"

I was worried that the text in capitals meant that I wouldn't be able to enter into an IVA either but apparently it's acceptable. I had my IVA accepted in September 06, things are tight, very tight and I know that I have to live 5 years like this but it's a small price to pay for sorting my life out. One thing is for sure, when my IVA is completed I will never use credit ever again (except for perhaps a mortgage in the distant future). I am so careful with money now and take pride in saving up for my car insurance etc instead of just 'sticking it on the card'.

Good luck!

Brassic

Good lord, I'm already in arrangements with quite a few of my creditors. Ones that we've made personally, and I was in them when I accepted my position. Will have to dig out the small text in my t's and c's then, but it does make me very wary about a) considering BR or an IVA, and b) telling my employees anything about it whilst being in the fragile 6 month probationary period.

The latest debt is my hubby's. Does this all apply if he goes BR or has an IVA?

Thanks in advance,
Brassic

nic_santorini

I work for the police and you are not allowed an 'UNLAWFUL DEBT'. I have spoken to our financial counsellors and going bankrupt is a lawful way of dealing with your debts - it is not the best solution by far and any occ health/counselling department should be able to help. But like the above person states all forces are different and have different rules. Good on you for dealing with it and trying not to go down the route.

notmyrealusername

If your OH doesn't work for the Police then he can do what he likes (apart from being a bank robber as I think they would find a way to get rid of you!) including entering into an IVA or going bankrupt.

I honestly don't know about the 'arrangement' bit, my IVA was arranged through Payplan and they led me to believe that a DMP or IVA were perfectly acceptable but that bankruptcy wasn't. Are you in the Union? You can approach your Union Rep in complete confidentiality and get some advice, I wasn't and am still not as I can't justify the extra £'s per month. If you are in the Union and you get any 'trouble' from your employers with regards this they will support and represent you, I took the risk not to join and thankfully I was OK.

Hope this helps.

sgx.saint

An IVA is generally the best way to go if its anything to do with the Police.

They are generally accepted by most forces as the most appropriate way to deal with debt issues.

Bankruptcy is a big 'no no' from my experience.

greytdog_2

it really depends on the individual force involved and your contract. Speak with your occupational health department, we are getting free financial advice from ours. In the force i work for you can go bankrupt as a civilian or a police officer and a number of people i know have. They do not have any particular view on it as long as you deal with it and let the relevant people know. Also it depends on your role, a person who is in contact with the public in an operation role is likely to be more closely monitored than an office clerk type position who is basically a typist or similar. Also in my force civilians do not have to inform anyone but police officers do. Get some advice from occupation health as it is confidential or your union if you are a member.

Brassic

Thanks, am only 3 weeks into the job, and am in the process of joining the Union, so will seek their advice once I'm a member. However, it looks like we're going to continue managing it ourselves instead of taking an IVA or br route - many thanks for the support and advice.

Brassic