DRO and security clearance (to join police)

radio-jo

My DRO was granted in August 2011. Just beforehand I had applied to join the police and was successful and given a training date until I received a letter from them last week saying I hadn't been granted security clearance and they wouldn't be able to offer me a position at this point in time.

I spoke to the vetting department and they said it was because of my DRO.

Now, the lady I spoke to at the vetting department was very vague and didn't seem too familiar with this sort of situation, and she said i'd have to wait "Three years from the beginning of your bankruptcy" before i'll be granted SC.

After I got off the phone I thought - three years? Where has this figure come from? She must be thinking of bankruptcy, which lasts 3 years.

I've emailed asking for them to explain in writing but it might take a few days to get a response.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation with security clearance?

fatbelly

If they've done a credit check on you, they will see 'bankruptcy' on your credit file. For some reason the CRAs can't differentiate between the two. I think you did the right thing in writing to explain.

However, you are normally discharged from bankruptcy in 12 months now, like your DRO. It might not make any difference to their policy.

radio-jo

fatbelly wrote: »

If they've done a credit check on you, they will see 'bankruptcy' on your credit file. For some reason the CRAs can't differentiate between the two. I think you did the right thing in writing to explain.

That's very helpful - I had no idea that was the case. Fingers crossed I might beat their decision and be able to re-apply when my DRO is satisfied later this year.