Police

busymumy

Not sure if you guys can help me but thought it was worth an ask.

My husband recently went to a police event and was looking to becoming a Special Constable. At the even they mentioned about bad credit and CCJ's.

He was declared bankrupt in 2010 and discharged as normal a year later. He currently has 6 active CCJ's that were setup before the bankruptcy.

Will this go against him getting a job with them?

barbarawright

http://www.westmercia.police.uk/recruitment/join-as-special/apply-to-become-a-special-constable/eligibility-criteria-for-special-constables.html

busymumy

Ok thank you.

TheGardener

sad really - "potentially vulnerable to corruption" The irony being you could be up to your neck in unmanageable debt and be accepted - none of the other criteria would have applied to me (CCJ's etc) But now I'm BR with no debts and sleeping properly for the first time in years - I would not eligible...


Another example of the implied criminality of BR


to the OP - other posters have said that different forces have different rules so don't give up hope.

tinkerbell28

TheGardener wrote: »

sad really - "potentially vulnerable to corruption" The irony being you could be up to your neck in unmanageable debt and be accepted - none of the other criteria would have applied to me (CCJ's etc) But now I'm BR with no debts and sleeping properly for the first time in years - I would not eligible...


Another example of the implied criminality of BR


to the OP - other posters have said that different forces have different rules so don't give up hope.

That is utterly NOT true. Any of it. That piece of information is to do with security vetting. Which is strict. Having loads of debt is also a no -no as it puts you at risk of accepting bribes to clear the debt.

It doesn't say being bankrupt excludes you does it? It's just that they want to see some sound financial decisions and a responsible record for a little while afterwards. Just like if you were going for a mortgage.

It won't be different for different forces, all applicants will be vetted by the same people. It's the security clearance requirement.

Wait it out and then apply.

TheGardener

Hi - I have no plans to apply to be a police officer anytime soon (but the OP was hoping to) I know its about minimising risk (quite rightly) but there is an implied criminality to BR in many aspects of life. Prior to my BR - it is likely that I would have met the eligibility criteria as I had no CCJs, a reasonable credit rating and access to further credit. The reality was that it was completely unsustainable and only a very in depth investigation by a financial professional would have revealed that. I doubt that would have been undertaken by the Police HR team.


Vulnerability to 'bribes' is more about the applicants mind set and moral standards than it is about how much cash they have although I am happy to concede that a combination of debt and weak moral standards might present a higher perception of risk. There are other factors such as undiagnosed mental health issues, breakdown of relationships or just being plain dishonest that would probably present a higher risk. I am no expert - this is just my personal view as someone who has been a manager for many years and in consequence, have seen any number of reasons why an employee might abuse a position of trust - ironically, BR has never been one of them.


As you say - the OP should not loose heart and should wait until they are eligible to apply.

tinkerbell28

TheGardener wrote: »

Hi - I have no plans to apply to be a police officer anytime soon (but the OP was hoping to) I know its about minimising risk (quite rightly) but there is an implied criminality to BR in many aspects of life. Prior to my BR - it is likely that I would have met the eligibility criteria as I had no CCJs, a reasonable credit rating and access to further credit. The reality was that it was completely unsustainable and only a very in depth investigation by a financial professional would have revealed that. I doubt that would have been undertaken by the Police HR team.


Vulnerability to 'bribes' is more about the applicants mind set and moral standards than it is about how much cash they have although I am happy to concede that a combination of debt and weak moral standards might present a higher perception of risk. There are other factors such as undiagnosed mental health issues, breakdown of relationships or just being plain dishonest that would probably present a higher risk. I am no expert - this is just my personal view as someone who has been a manager for many years and in consequence, have seen any number of reasons why an employee might abuse a position of trust - ironically, BR has never been one of them.


As you say - the OP should not loose heart and should wait until they are eligible to apply.

That's exactly what does happen when you apply for security clearance.

They look into your financial matters very closely and the higher you go, those of your spouse, family, etc.

It's not the police HR team who screen people. It's done by a government agency.

The other things you mention, all come into the picture too. Which is why not everyone gets approved.

kirstblueyes24

Hi Busymumy, I was employed with the police force for 7 years , and went bankrupt in 2010. The Police do look at any debt as a no-no and even for myself being already employed by the police i faced issues and so did some of my colleagues.

So unfortunately your partner would not be eligible, he can apply but its one of the main reasons alot of applicants fail vetting and unfortunately dont get a position.

For clarity I would advise to ring the forces vetting officer and they will be happy to give you further advice.

fiveyearplan

I recently went for a job interview (and got the job) however I was turned down because I didn't pass the security clearance. The only thing was my bankruptcy in 2008. I have had no other credit issues before or since however as has been said above ex bankrupts are perceived as non-trustworthy.

AndyBSG

fiveyearplan wrote: »

as has been said above ex bankrupts are perceived as non-trustworthy.

Surely that is a form of discrimination?

I can understand criminal records having an affect but refusing to give someone a job because they had financial troubles many years ago that they dealt with in a perfectly legal way seems like it's an infringement of human rights...

philnicandevan

AndyBSG wrote: »

Surely that is a form of discrimination?

I can understand criminal records having an affect but refusing to give someone a job because they had legal troubles many years ago that they dealt with in a perfectly legal way seems like it's an infringement of human rights...

it is.....try telling the hierarchy

its f*!**! madness.....:mad::mad: