What Is a Character Disqualification Appeal?

Since police officers play such an essential part in modern society, the requirements to get accepted into the NYPD police academy are rigorous. Candidates must undergo a character evaluation, medical evaluation, and psychological evaluation to be accepted into the academy. Sometimes, an applicant that wishes to join the NYPD (New York City Police Department), NYCD (New York City Correction Department), or NCPD (Nassau County Police Department) passes the psychological and medical evaluation but falters on their character evaluation. Robert B. Kronenberg, Esq., specializes in character disqualification appeals, which work to reverse an agency’s decision to disqualify a candidate based on their character. 

What Is an NYPD Character Disqualification? 

This type of candidate disqualification occurs when an applicant that wishes to enter the NYPD is disqualified due to something that arises in their background check. The same kind of disqualification could occur to candidates that want to apply to other positions in public services in the state of New York. The reported issues could be anything from arrest, driving, employment, education, and even financial history. However, an NYPD proposed disqualification could be appealed to hopefully get a candidate back on track. 

What Does a Character Reference Letter Consist of?

A character reference letter is a document written by someone who knows the candidate well and can vouch for their character, integrity, and suitability for a particular role or responsibility. In the context of law enforcement, such as helping disqualified police officers rejoin the police force, character reference letters can be an essential part of the evaluation process. The character reference letter should consist of an introduction, a statement of purpose, a description of the relationship, and even some brief description of their character traits and attributes. 

What Goes Into an NYPD Character Assessment? 

There are many factors that could lead to a candidate being disqualified based on their perceived character flaws. Some of the most common factors that deal with someone having negative aspects of their character include frequency of arrests, moving violations, and other infractions. The reasoning behind these being used in an NYPD character disqualification is that it points to a lack of discipline within the candidate. Our NYPD lawyer is dedicated to making sure that candidates that have been served with this kind of disqualification get the legal representation that they deserve. Some of the other aspects of an NYPD character reference letter that candidates need to be aware of include the severity of their infractions and if they have been arrested or charged with crimes. As mentioned above, frequent traffic and moving infractions could be used against a candidate, but having been convicted of misdemeanors and felonies could also be used as an indictment of a candidate’s character. 

What Is an NYPD Character Reference Letter?

As an NYPD disqualification appeal lawyer, our offices have seen many different aspects of the application process. One thing that could help someone’s case is to have a character reference letter presented to the police department that highlights what the police department could expect from your character. This is typically used for processes like acquiring firearms since these typically need someone of sound mind and character to handle them. In the case of a police officer application, a character reference letter from a reputable source could make a positive impact on your application. Our NYPD appeal lawyer would like to point out that perhaps the best things to highlight in a letter like this have to do with the positive aspects of your characters and some examples of these that you have done in the past. 

How Deep Do NYPD Character Investigations Go? 

With a job and social position as important as being a police officer in a large city like New York City, prospective candidates are usually investigated quite thoroughly. This includes their past traffic violations and contact with the police. Sometimes, the Police Department will even contact past employers to see how they performed on the job and if they have noticed any negative traits during their time working with them. However, candidates could also hope that their previous employers say positive things about their work experience. There are even some cases where police departments interview family members and friends to learn more about the details of the candidate’s character. 

Some Police Psych Exam Disqualifications

Our NYPD psychological disqualification lawyer would like to point out that psychological and character disqualifications are closely related. There are many common psych exam disqualifications that candidates need to be aware of. These include a lack of emotional control and problems with discipline. Candidates that would like to join the police academy need to be interviewed by psychologists and undergo tests to determine exactly where they stand. Candidates could also look to be reviewed again by an NYPD appeal psychologist for entrance to the NYPD police academy if they have to deal with an NYPD psychological disqualification. Disqualification Appeals New York and our legal professionals are here to help you with your NYPD psychological disqualification appeal.

What Disqualifies You From Civil Service in the NYPD?

It's important to understand that these disqualifications are intended to uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and public safety. A significant criminal history, especially convictions for felonies or serious offenses, can lead to disqualification. Character considerations play a vital role here, as agencies assess whether a candidate's past behavior aligns with the ethical standards expected of a law enforcement officer. Another consideration that goes with character is recent drug use or substance abuse. Recent or ongoing drug use, particularly the use of illegal drugs, can be disqualifying. Character assessments include evaluating a candidate's ability to make responsible choices and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

How Long Does the NYPD Background Investigation Take? 

There are many factors that go into how long an NYPD background investigation takes. For example, some candidates may have more complex histories or prior employment. However, the NYPD undergoes a thorough investigation since they are a law enforcement agency. Investigators carefully verify and cross-reference information provided by the candidate. This meticulous approach may extend the investigation timeline. Another important factor in narrowing down how long a background investigation will take is how many interviews and references the police academy chooses to do. Background investigators often conduct interviews with the candidate's references, employers, and personal contacts. Coordinating and conducting these interviews can add time to the process. You can learn more about how deep NYPD police background checks investigate you by clicking the following link.

How Long Is the NYPD Exam Valid for?

The validity period for the NYPD Police Officer Exam, which is the most commonly known exam, is typically four years. This means that candidates who successfully pass the exam are eligible to apply for the position of Police Officer for up to four years from the date of the exam. This NYPD test exam is an integral part of the application process and one that could result in disqualification for the prospective police officer. 

What Is the Background Check for NYPD? 

The NYPD's background check is thorough and comprehensive. It includes a review of various aspects of a candidate's life, including their personal, educational, employment, financial, and criminal history. The background investigators verify the candidate's educational history, including degrees earned, transcripts, and academic achievements. False information regarding education can be disqualifying. Also, the NYPD reviews a candidate's employment history, including previous jobs and employment dates. Employers may be contacted to verify employment and obtain references. Also, there are other aspects of background checks that the police look into like their criminal history and in some cases a polygraph examination. 

How Can I Start My Character Disqualification Appeal? 

When a candidate initially learns of their disqualification, they should promptly contact a disqualification appeal attorney like Robert B. Kronenberg, Esq. At times, waiting to act can preclude your ability to appeal the decision. Most agencies, including the NYPD, NYCD, and NCPD, have short periods of time for you to submit an appeal.  A disqualification appeal and Nassau County Police Department typically take between fifteen (15) and thirty (30) days. 

Note that if you do not prevail in an administrative appeal to the disqualifying agency (the New York City Civil Service Commission and/or the Nassau County Civil Service Commission), then you can begin an Article 78 action in the appropriate New York State Supreme Court. According to Article 78, you may appeal a decision made by a municipality or government agency that you believe to be arbitrary and capricious. Typically, an Article 78 proceeding is an action commenced in a New York State Supreme Court to request the court's intervention to overturn the municipality's or governmental agency's decision. Additionally, the Article 78 proceeding can ask the court to order the municipality or governmental agency to perform a function that, by law, they are mandated to perform. 

Robert B. Kronenberg, Esq., specializes in character disqualification appeals and can help you appeal the character disqualification decision. As a former New York City Police Captain, he has the experience to provide the tough representation necessary to appeal your case. Also, as a police disqualification attorney, Mr. Kronenberg could help you with psychological disqualification appeals and medical disqualification appeals.  Whether you need a character disqualification appeal, psychological disqualification appeal, or an NYPD medical disqualification, you could count on Robert B. Kronenberg’s NYPD Disqualification Appeals office. Contact us today to learn more. 

If you are a candidate for a law enforcement civil service position experiencing a disqualification in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York City Correction Department (NYCD), NASSAU County Police Department (NCPD), or any law enforcement agencies, call the law office of Robert B. Kronenberg for the representation necessary for a disqualification appeal based on your individual case needs.

When faced with a character disqualification, you deserve to be treated with respect and to be represented by an experienced disqualification attorney. Contact us today at 631-234-4434.