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DA internship disclosure question
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 1:10 am
by Anonymous User
Ok, this is kind of a weird question but I wanted to see others' take on this. I am applying to DA offices for a summer internship, and one of the ones I really would like to intern at asks if a family member has ever committed a crime. Now one of my parent's cousins committed a serious crime (it even had press coverage when it happened), do I have to disclose this? I feel like my parent's cousins is a far enough away relative that I could get away with leaving it off.
Re: DA internship disclosure question
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 4:24 am
by shepdawg
I would not consider that family.
Re: DA internship disclosure question
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 9:43 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Ok, this is kind of a weird question but I wanted to see others' take on this. I am applying to DA offices for a summer internship, and one of the ones I really would like to intern at asks if a family member has ever committed a crime. Now one of my parent's cousins committed a serious crime (it even had press coverage when it happened), do I have to disclose this? I feel like my parent's cousins is a far enough away relative that I could get away with leaving it off.
So it's your second cousin? I doubt very seriously they want you to go that far but DA's notably err on the side of caution in disclosures. If it was me I may disclose it just because I doubt it is a ding of any sort and may give an interviewer a topic they want to talk about with you. Ask your school's career services though. They'll likely just say no but then you have a cover if anyone ever asks.
On the other hand with me I have several Uncles that shot at the police, some while on CNN, and several other very accomplished bank robbers. Yeah I wouldn't want to disclose mine because it is a pattern. Yours seems more like some distant relative, who you can marry, that would make a good story. Mine seems more the norm of my family.
Re: DA internship disclosure question
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:58 am
by BeautifulSW
This is a very strange question. My experience is limited to my own state, of course, but I have never heard of anyone ever asking whether a family member has committed a crime. For security clearances they might research your family but to come out and ask the applicant sounds tactless at best and seriously unfair at worst.
A VERY long time ago, I was vetted for a high level federal security clearance; the FBI dug up parents of high school girlfriends and questioned them about me but they never asked me if a family member was a criminal.
Are you sure you want to work for these people?