as an applicant I noticed a few questions on the background questionnaire concerning credit history, is this a strong determining factor? I've had a few credit probs and would hate for that to keep me from completing the application proccess. thanks in advance for any help

Fred,

Thank you for your help. I don't have a terrible history, but in the past, with the help of my ex wife I do have a few issues to check in to. thanks again  

as I stated to begin with it's not so much the history, it's the manner in which he attempts to justify it, period. 
I bow to you oh mighty LE god, please forgive me for treading where ONLY such wise men as yourself have a right.

Credit IS a strong determining factor, again, it always depends on the Dept.  I was denied, or "non-selected" specifically beacuse of past credit probs - I had no idea prior to applying to LE that they even look at credit.  It is now clean but I still have to wait for a couple Depts because the credit hits are too recent.  I had several charge offs, which most Depts automatically will NOT hire you with!  You have to pay them off and then give it time before they will look at you.  LAPD runs Trans Union right there in front of you, after the oral int., and then highlights any possible concerns, if there are any (charge offs) you have to pay those off before you can continue in the process.  Most others require you to provide a sealed Experian or Equifax report which is not as forgiving as Trans Union.  Question everything negative on your report, if they do not have documentation to verify it, they have to delete it.  Get some sample letters from Consumer Credit counseling etc. they are great...  Good luck.