Will my bad credit affect my application for Correctional Officer?

Im am currently applying for Correctional Officer in Salinas Valley State Prison. I have pasted the Written and Physical exams. Im going under background check which will take about 3 months. I have bad credit. Will that affect my application in any way?

Public Comments

1. I know it does if you go into law inforcement so I wouldnt dout it.
2. It may or may not, in most cases they will over look your bad credit due to our current conditions(recession). Keep in mind that whether you have bad credit or not you still qualify for the position when you pass the exam....
3. It's a major road block for any postion, do your best to clean it up.
4. It all depends on what your bad credit is due to. Do you have substantial medical bills that have been turned over to collection? If this is the case, most people/banks will overlook this. There are not many people who can write out checks for $5,000 at a time. On the other hand, if your bad credit is due to bills not paid, bankruptcy, or other unpaid debts, the employer can look at that as an indication of your honesty/accountability.
5. Yes it may, depending on the standards they have set.
6. It is a MAJOR issue. However, having bad credit and being in extreme debt can be two different things. Prisons and jails do not want officers who owe a lot of money. These people are more susceptible to bribes and/or favors. People with bad credit can't purchase some larger ticket items, another reason why they might accept bribes.
7. Usually, a credit history is searched during the background check. You may have to explain why you can't keep up with your bills. The application was most likely a 20+ page, which has a section concerning finances. If you were truthful, the agency is already somewhat aware of your background. They only need to verify your application. It's unlikely that bad credit will disqualify you.
8. Yes. You become a liability and ethics risk with an extraordinarily bad credit history. Now, we are not talking about your defaulted credit card for $500.00 when you were 18 if you are now 30. That's just dumb kid stuff in the screener's mind. However, if you are reported to collections for unpaid house payments, car payments, have any repossessions or bankruptcies, well...the assumption is that any one in that condition could be susceptible to bribes or worse coercion to commit crimes. Or that person may be likely to start doing unethical and illegal things like waiving tickets if the driver pays "cash up front." You may not be like that, but why would I want to take that risk on your word alone, after all, your word said you would pay your bills. (That's the mind-set.)
9. As a correctional applicant, the answer is no. All they care about is your background. I have passed the test and passed my interview. I am waiting for the next training class to start. I am in FLorida. I do know that for certain Police Officer jobs your credit must be good before they even consider you. For expample Broward Sheriffs Office.