Police Employment application....asking you to list former neighbors?

First off, I have nothing to hide. I can list my current neighbors....no problem. But the application wants me to list neighbors for places I lived 8 years ago....I honestly didn't know them or what their names were.

Coming from someone who has been there....

They WILL check on these answers. If you can't recall, TRY to research, ask your family, old roommates etc. The background investigator will want to see that you put forth EFFORT to get the names. What my investigator told me was that if THEY can google and call and figure out my old neighbors, then I certainly should be able to. They want to see that you care, and that you will take the time to get the answers.

I wouldn't be able to remember any of mine either (and they probably wouldn't still be there anyway). Just put "unknown" on that line.

Do the best you can. They won't expect you to be able to name them all. But they do expect the effort.

As you know, communication is a large part of policing. Several times each day, cops start conversations with people they've never met. Go there and knock on the door.

Information gathering is also part of a cop's job. Some neighbors might not have lived there, and you'll need to note that. The background investigator will likely still contact them to find out how you present yourself.

Under no circumstances should you put "unknown." You'll look lazy. Make the effort and good luck.

I don't think it matters much, becuase its kinda the same thing as putting several references on loan applications etc, I highly doubt they even contact those people, they probably are just looking for a list of people who know you as a good guy etc. btw, I love the donut picture. haha. just kidding.

Even if you can't recall any of your neighbors within the last eight years, list people you still have contact with that have knowledge of you residing at the residence. Good reference would be someone who has visited your home that you still have contact with. Use a landlord or your property manager.

that is fairly common for police apps. do the best you can, they will more than likely make contact with your former neighbors whether of not they are listed just by using your old address.

ITS TO SHOW THAT YOU HAD MORALS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER NOT THE BULLY ETC. THAT IS WHY ITS CALLED A BACK GROUND GET IT? ALSO I CAN NAME ALL OF MY NEIGHBORS AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. MAYBE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT FOR YOU IF THIS TASK IS TO DIFFICULT FOR YOU.

Those kind of questions are not only to see personal information, but also to test your memory skills and/or ability to keep logs of personal information, attention to detail, etc.

Just do the best you can.

I had the same problem. They wanted the name of a supervisor I had in Saudi Arabia for 4 months in the military in 1997. I told them it wasn't going to happen. They accepted "Unknown."

I've only had to list landlords. Never been asked for the names of my neighbors. What department are you applying too?

The applications are usually long and ask for a lot of information. If I can't remember something I've always just put "unknown."