Arrested for Shoplifting, Applying for Government Job
My question involves a background check in the State of: DC
I was arrested at the age of 18 for shoplifting. The charges were dismissed. My academic, professional, financial, and criminal records are otherwise perfect. I'm 22 now.
I was just offered a job at a large consulting firm: the background check asked if "you have ever been arrested for any criminal offenses" - I answered no because I thought a dismissal allowed for you to legally say "no" but after more research I'm beginning to believe this isn't the case. I called the local PD and they couldn't pull anything up.
1) I haven't heard anything from the company, but I'm thinking about contacting the background investigation entity and letting them know that I made an honest mistake on the application. Do you think this will hurt more than it will help? Would this induce a "deeper" investigation?
2) With this arrest record on file, will I be able to get a Secret Clearance from the government?
Thank you for your time.
Re: Arrested for Shoplifting, Applying for Government Job
If they discover the omission and determine that your answer was false, the best case scenario is that they ask you about why you gave a false answer. More likely they'll simply deny you the job and move on to the next applicant. If they hire you and later discover that your answer was false that could trigger termination.
There are many different types and levels of government clearances.
Re: Arrested for Shoplifting, Applying for Government Job
The consulting co. is going to go by the info you put on the application. If you lied
and they find out, you most likely will not get hired or will get terminated if they find out
after you're hired. You have a better chance of getting hired when there is a history
of an arrest if you answer truthfully.