Background Credit?

[dneptun81]

I am first on the list for a Dept. that recieved their SAFER grant in round two and I haven't heard anything yet, I'm getting antsy. Couple questions.... do Dept's start background investigation without letting you know? Second question, how hard is an applicants credit history looked at and what are they looking for?

I'm also starting to create Sea Monsters, they are bad news!

[BCLepore]

Neptune,
I would not expect a department to start a background check without your permission. You will be asked to sign a bunch of waivers giving the department the right to delve into your past.

I want to encourage you to be honest. We have all made mistakes.

If any "expert" tells you to withhold information or to be less than truthful, I guarantee that you will be caught lying and fail.


THE FOLLOWING IS AN ACTUAL BACKGROUND QUESTIONAIRE USED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (The fire chief has asked that I remove the name of the city for obvious reasons)

Read and answer the following questions carefully and honestly. Answers are subject to verification by a Polygraph Examination.

Have you ever committed any of the following acts during your life whether it came to the attention of authorities or not?
YES NO

1. Spousal abuse (including common-law) 0 0

2. Any violent assault upon another 0 0

3. Forgery 0 0

4. Homicide 0 0

5. Robbery (theft from another person utilizing a weapon of force) 0 0

6. Burglary 0 0

7. Kidnapping 0 0

8. Arson (intentionally set fire) 0 0

9. Extortion (blackmail) 0 0

10. Embezzlement (theft of money) 0 0

11. Rape (sexual intercourse by force or against the wishes of another) 0 0

12. Child Abuse 0 0

13. Child Molestation (any sex act with a child) 0 0

14. Prostitution (sexual acts for money or other considerations) 0 0

15. Soliciting Prostitution (asking for sex in return for money or visa versa) 0 0

16. Theft (including shoplifting) 0 0

17. Convicted of a DUI or charge reduced to reckless driving 0 0

18. Have you in the past or do you now regularly associate with persons
whom you know to have engaged in and/or been arrested for unlawful
possession or use of any illegal substance? 0 0

19. Have you ever been arrested for an illegal sex act? 0 0

20. Ever charged with a crime not mentioned above? 0 0



EXPLAIN ALL “YES” ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.


Explain all “Yes” answers to the above questions in the spaces below. List the question # and then describe the incident. Be thorough with your explanation, use dates where appropriate.


Employment
YES NO
21. Have you ever been terminated or asked to resign from employment? 0 0
22. Have you ever taken any property from an employer? 0 0

23. Have you in any way falsified your employment application or made
any misleading statements? 0 0

24. Have you ever made any false or misleading statements or omissions
to any employer or potential employer? 0 0

25. Have you committed any dishonest act in order to obtain this or any
position (i.e. cheating on written exam, having another person take any exam, etc.) 0 0




Explain “Yes” answers in detail below. List the question # and then thoroughly explain.








Financial
YES NO
26. Do you feel that you now have a good credit rating
(If yes, no explanation necessary)? 0 0

27. Do you have any bills that are now passed due? 0 0
28. Have you filed for bankruptcy within the past two years? 0 0
29. Have you ever failed to file an income tax return? 0 0
30. Have you had a bill turned over to collections within the past two years? 0 0


Explain all “Yes” answers to the above questions in the spaces below. List the question # and then describe the incident. Be thorough with your explanation, use dates where appropriate.







General
YES NO
31. Did you answer all of the questions truthfully that were put to you
during the oral interview? 0 0
32. Are you presently driving without auto insurance or the DMV required
Financial responsibility bond? 0 0
33. Have you ever filed a fraudulent insurance claim? 0 0
34. How many traffic citations have you received within the past five years? 0 0
35. Have you ever taken a Polygraph Examination? 0 0
When __________________ Where ______________________ Result ______________________
36. Have you ever been present when someone else committed a criminal act? 0 0
37. Have you ever purchased or sold any property that you believe might
have been stolen? 0 0
Explain all “Yes” answers to the above questions in the spaces below. List the question # and then describe the incident. Be thorough with your explanation, use dates where appropriate.







Drugs/Narcotics
YES NO
38. Have you used marijuana? 0 0
Last time: Month/Year _____________________ First time: Month/Year ______________________
39. Have you ever misused a prescription drug? 0 0
40. Within the past year, have you been in the presence of anyone
using illegal drugs? 0 0
41. Have you ever purchased, sold, or supplied any illegal narcotic,
Steroid, marijuana, pill or drug? 0 0
42. Have you ever been the middleman, go between, or “done a favor for a friend”
By becoming involved in a drug transaction? 0 0
43. Have you ever used or experimented with:
Cocaine 0 0
Heroin 0 0
LSD (acid) 0 0
PCP (angel dust) 0 0
Mushroom, mescaline or any hallucinogen 0 0
Hashish 0 0
Crank, Methamphetamine 0 0
Speed or Crystal Meth 0 0
Uppers 0 0
Downers or Barbiturates 0 0
Steroids 0 0
Ecstasy 0 0
Any type of “designer” drugs 0 0
Any other drug besides Marijuana 0 0

If you answered “Yes” to any of the above drug usage questions, complete the section below:
Drug First Time Last Time
Drug First Time Last Time
Drug First Time Last Time
Drug First Time Last Time
Drug First Time Last Time
Drug First Time Last Time


Paul Lepore, Battalion Chief
Author of:
"Smoke Your Firefighter Interview"
"The Aspiring Firefighter's 2-Year Plan
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[dneptun81]

I figured out why I haven't heard anything, the city council hasn't approved the addition of additional personel.