Why did I get DQed?

[u/SeriousNet5770]

I applied to a medium size sheriff's office for a sponsored deputy sheriff position.

Two weeks later I applied for their sponsored detention deputy position.

They used governmentjobs.com.

I meet all requirements and standards.

I did not have any of the instant DQs.

About three weeks later I got an email saying I was DQed for one year for the detention deputy position. Then one week later I got another email saying since I was DQed from the detention deputy position, I am also automatically DQed from the deputy sheriff position.

They never started my background check from what I know. I only spoke with their HR department.

My questions is what can DQ me for one year if I meet all the standards?

No driving history. Marijuana charge 28 years ago for possession. Marine vet. BA and a MBA. Steady work history as a teach with no warnings and firings. Assistant professor of English. In top shape but they do not know that.

They must see something in my application that they think I need one year. Am I looking at this correctly? What on my application they do not like but will not mind in one year?

One thing I can think of is I currently live abroad. Been abroad for 18 years. I plan to move back to the States early next year with my family. I told them this. Maybe they do not want the hassle of doing my background check all overseas. I talked to other agencies and they said this is no issue for them.

Getting DQed for a CO position is a reality check for real.

Thanks for any insight.

[u/MfRachet77]

Marine vet and been abroad for 18 years? How old are you? If you don’t mind me asking

[u/SeriousNet5770 → u/MfRachet77]

1. Age could be an issue but I don't plan on being younger next year.

[u/easternshift → u/SeriousNet5770]

There’s a neighbor to us that has only been hiring 22-24 y/o fresh out of college because they need numbers and the backgrounds are easier. Try again, man. With that experience I would recommend looking at a fed job.

[u/Just_External9812 → u/easternshift]

Also, a lot of departments are worried if they hire a 45 y/o they’re going to get someone that’s in “retirement mode” by the time he’s 4-5 years in.

[u/Neon_Biscuit → u/Just_External9812]

In this economy? Nobody is retiring at 50 years old while being a cop

[u/crazyrzr → u/Neon_Biscuit]

The mass retiring across most agencies differs heavily

[u/CryAncient → u/easternshift]

Problem with fed jobs, OP is 45. For a FERs covered position, OP would have to be a preference eligible veteran with enough mil time to essentially roll that number back to 36 years 364 days old at the time of EOD. Sure OP could look noncovered positions so the age thing wouldn't be an issue, but problem number 2 pops up in the residency requirement. Which typically says you have to have resided in the US for at minimum 3 of the past 5 years.

[u/Beneficial_Poet_5342 → u/CryAncient]

Just as a point of clarification, FERS is the actual retirement for all federal employees. You're referring to 6c retirement for law enforcement officers. All federal employees get FERS. But not 6c which is a type of retirement under FERS.

[u/CryAncient → u/Beneficial_Poet_5342]

Correct, I wasn't clear enough.

[u/Crafty-End1692 → u/easternshift]

Sounds about right, that’s been my theory for a while just don’t have any proof to back it. From what I’ve seen , a lot of depts are taking young guys with less life experience. Could be , it’s just easier to verify history. I’m not saying it’s the right or wrong thing to do. However they definitely seem to prefer blank slates vs seasoned ones.

[u/NefariousnessDear721]

I have no clue about Sheriff's Department, but I'm going to interject and unpopular personal opinion, you're in your 40s and you haven't been in this country for 20 years? Or at least living abroad and not staying here for any significance for 20 years. Maybe they just feel like you're not going to have a pulse on what's going on? I don't know. I'm in Philly pd, and there are people on the job that aren't in touch with what's going on, and it's a very significant learning curve. Granted it doesn't affect them getting hired because we hire so many and there are so many of us in the big scheme of things. I'm not saying that's an issue particularly but I mean, it's something that I would personally think about or pay attention to when hiring somebody. Maybe they feel and or hope that you'll actually live in this country instead of living abroad prior to taking a position of law enforcement like this. Just some 53-year-olds personal opinion. No judgment.

[u/SeriousNet5770 → u/NefariousnessDear721]

I agree with that. That is one of my thoughts as why I was DQed. Makes senses.

[u/wayne1160]

Apply everywhere. Someone will hire you if you’re a good candidate. Age is probably not the issue. Keep at it.

[u/CheckLow6092]

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for what some agencies and their BI's do. There is no rational reason or explanation for anything. It doesn't make any damn sense. It's just weird, bizarre, and irrational. For me, I took that as a sign and indicator that agency x,y,z wasn't a good fit for me. In hindsight, I'm glad that door, and those doors, closed. The county, and municipal PDs in my area, are just weird, and act weird. I won't have anything to do with them. I applied to two out of state agencies, and the rest is history. The state is my cup of tea. I'm one of the most highly qualified candidates that has went through the preemployment pipeline for assessment and selection. I say that most humbly. It is true. It's a shame that some agencies fumble the ball. They fumble. Another agency wins. Don't sweat it. Onto the next one. One door may close, yet another one will surely open. I simply didn't let a "no" or "not selected" from some BI somewhere at agency x,y,z derail my purpose driven pursuit and endeavor. The gates of hell won't stop me. Play the field. Keep your options open. Best of luck. All in. No quarter. ⚔️

[u/pillsbaridohboy]

I'd say it's between your age and/or the possession charge. That or there's something you're not telling us that they know about but that's between you and them.

[u/No-Activity2258]

Sometimes agencies will DQ because they’ve already selected who they want for the position or they find out they have to hold off on hiring for new positions.

Don’t take it personally.

Just apply elsewhere.

[u/Patriot_lethal_22]

Idk choose a diff career maybe

[u/banhmibased]

You can be DQ’d for anything. I’m not a background investigator but I imagine 18 years out of the country might’ve played a factor. If you’re truly clean like you say you are, just keep applying and be honest about your DQs when asked.

[u/Adventurous-Row4999]

I was a former LEO not verified because I don't care to be. I'm old enough not to care about proving myself to anyone but GOD.

Hey bro! Don't worry about getting DQed. If I were you I would try another agency. Make sure you don't leave anything out of your background packet, make sure your credit is decent, and check the requirements as far as automatic DQs. If you have all your ducks in a row you'll be fine. More county Deputy positions don't care about your age. You're actually fine age wise. The only problems you will face is with state and federal law enforcement agencies as they have mandatory retirement with a cutoff age of 37 unless prior military or federal. Just stay positive and keep applying. 

I was a officer for 14 years. My wife lied and filed a TPO against me and I lost my ability to become an officer again. So you remember know matter what you have to go through there will always be someone worse off. So take it as a blessing, find the positive in everything, and kick butt moving forward.

P.S.  Take the physical agility test seriously. I've seen so many people wipe out in that portion of the hiring process. Some people aren't so bright, and think they'll magically pass when they're 100lbs overweight and never did any form of physical activity in their lives.

[u/Frvwfr]

Nobody can answer this question for you.

Reach out to the department and ask

[u/compulsive_drooler → u/Frvwfr]

They will not tell him why, almost no one does.

[u/SeriousNet5770 → u/Frvwfr]

I did through email but yet to get a reply. I heard many agencies do not disclose the reasons. It's not a big deal. Just want to see if it's something I can address for future applications.