Today I called my local police department to ask if they could complete the Police Record Check form. However, I was told by them that they only perform record checks for other law enforcement agencies and will not complete one for the military. Where else could I turn to to get this form signed and completed?
Police Record Check
- Thread starter usna2026h
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Put on your Sunday best: neatly pressed pants or skirt, neatly pressed shirt, clean and shined shoes. Walk into the police station, carrying your letter signifying offer of appointment plus the necessary form. Speaking politely and firmly, explain that you have been accepted to USNA and that a requirement for entrance is a completed form from the local police department. Ask them who can help you with that and how you can have it done expeditiously. Stand your ground until you get a firm and complete answer. Ask to speak with a higher-up officer, if necessary.
It’s amazing what you can do if you show up in person. That’s about 98% of life — and leadership.
Best wishes.
It’s amazing what you can do if you show up in person. That’s about 98% of life — and leadership.
Best wishes.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Many threads on this forum re this issue. Most departments don’t understand what is being asked of them. None in our county did.
DS did just as the wise @MidCakePa suggested. Best outfit, copies of the form, self addressed stamped envelopes, confidence, humility, and appreciation for their time in aiding him in his quest.
Took ten minutes at each office.
Tell us how it goes.
DS did just as the wise @MidCakePa suggested. Best outfit, copies of the form, self addressed stamped envelopes, confidence, humility, and appreciation for their time in aiding him in his quest.
Took ten minutes at each office.
Tell us how it goes.
JohnMcLane
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My kid was turned down by local PD, too. Fortunately, the Chief of Police who had been my kid's baseball coach happened to walk by at just the right moment.... Ask nicely then elevate nicely but firmly, showing your paperwork at every step. Be professional. You may have to ask your most local politician for assistance. Avoid getting nasty or belligerent.
And did you say you called as opposed to.showing up in person!?
And did you say you called as opposed to.showing up in person!?
Kierkegaard
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Seems like this happens to a lot of people, myself included years ago. If the above advice doesn’t work, call up admissions for further guidance. In my case I just had to submit a signed statement affirming that I had no criminal record.
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Another option: call other law enforcement offices. City. State. SRO. Explaining it’s not a BACKGROUND check, but rather a form needed signed for you to attend the Naval Academy. It saves you some legwork before @MidCakePa’s most excellent option.
Both sons had resisantce at first (it’s a world, uncommon request…). But found an option. Sent the form attached to an email, and they forwarded. Easy peasy.
Be super polite ‘hello ma’am/sir, I’ve been accepted to attend the United States Naval Academy, and part of that process is a surface check (not background check) of my name. It’s a simple form, I need signed and sent straight to USNA. Is that something you could assist me with? Or transfer me to someone who can? Thank you so much for your help!’ Kind of thing.
It’s not meant to be an in-depth investigation.
Both sons had resisantce at first (it’s a world, uncommon request…). But found an option. Sent the form attached to an email, and they forwarded. Easy peasy.
Be super polite ‘hello ma’am/sir, I’ve been accepted to attend the United States Naval Academy, and part of that process is a surface check (not background check) of my name. It’s a simple form, I need signed and sent straight to USNA. Is that something you could assist me with? Or transfer me to someone who can? Thank you so much for your help!’ Kind of thing.
It’s not meant to be an in-depth investigation.
I work at a suburban police department in Records and everything said above is spot on. I would add that the person answering the phone most likely has no idea what you are looking for so if you call or go in, ask to speak with someone in the Records Department. Explain to them that you need a Police Contacts list or a Clearance Letter? Each state "names" things differently, but if you speak to Records and have your form they will know what you need and it shouldn't be a problem.
Also like others have said, avoid using the terms "Background Check" and "Rap Sheet". Those are both very different items which is not what you need for your service academy file.
If anyone has trouble with this, please feel free to message me and I am happy to call your agency on your behalf to help facilitate!
Also like others have said, avoid using the terms "Background Check" and "Rap Sheet". Those are both very different items which is not what you need for your service academy file.
If anyone has trouble with this, please feel free to message me and I am happy to call your agency on your behalf to help facilitate!
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In addition to the great advice given above, in at least some Congressional Districts, you could reach out to the District point of contact that you used when applying for the nomination and explain the issue. Even if they didn't nominate you, they will probably help. I know that in my district, the Nominations lead (USNR LCDR ) would be glad to assist and if he could not, could escalate to the MOC herself and I have absolutely no doubt
that she would assist.
that she would assist.