Second of two parts. 

Re: “Probing the Past of a Future Cop”

The state law that prohibits employers from asking potentially disqualifying questions about an applicant’s

criminal past naturally does not apply to law enforcement.

The Culver City Police Dept. not only inquires about past tarnishes with the law, “we also do home inspections,” said Chief Scott Bixby.

“When you get to a certain point in the application process, we come to your house, and we will search your house.”

Mr. Bixby realized that sounded ominous.

“That may sound Gestapo’ish, but that is not what I mean.”

What do officers search for?

“We look around for any kind of drug paraphernalia.”

Cops show up unannounced.

“We knock on the door,” said the chief, “and we say ‘Hi. We are here to do the home inspection.’

“They can let us in. Or they can refuse. That’s fine. Obviously, we are not going to force our way in. But then the process stops right then and there.”

The Police Dept.’s motivation, of course, “is to make sure we are not hiring felons and ex-cons,” Chief Bixby said.

However, ladies and gentlemen with lawbreaking in their past may be hired.

“Depends on what it was, how long ago and what the circumstances were,” Mr. Bixby said.

“Minor drug use a long time ago, drunk driving a long time ago might be exceptions.”