Ex-Employer Making Malicious/Vindictive Statements

[ultra_xcyter]

What is the name of your state? CA

I recently had a background investigation done for a law enforcement job I was applying for, and I recently received a copy of the background investigation where I can read what past employers said about me. While the feedback from employers was positive, there was one particualr employer that made false and malicious statements about my character without any support/evidence for such statements. In my mind, this constitutes libel since it was recorded on paper. Is there anything I can do to protect myself from such incidents? Is there a way to seek compensation for such actions? The person in question is a police officer. Is it worthwhile to file a complaint against the officer? Do I have any recourse, or are past employers free to say whatever they want without any consequences?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

What is the name of your state? CA

I recently had a background investigation done for a law enforcement job I was applying for, and I recently received a copy of the background investigation where I can read what past employers said about me. While the feedback from employers was positive, there was one particualr employer that made false and malicious statements about my character without any support/evidence for such statements. In my mind, this constitutes libel since it was recorded on paper.

What KIND of paper?

Is there anything I can do to protect myself from such incidents?

don't read it again.

Is there a way to seek compensation for such actions?

Of course. You can see compensation verbally, in writing, telegraph or non-verbally.

The person in question is a police officer. Is it worthwhile to file a complaint against the officer?

That's up to you.

Do I have any recourse, or are past employers free to say whatever they want without any consequences?

yes and pretty much yes.

 

[ultra_xcyter]

libel

The paper is a formal report that is part of the background investigation and is kept on record by the federal government, and is used by various law enforcement agencies to assess applicant character. Too bad this is the one and only "blotch" in the report. Anyways, it doesn't make any difference since there's no law that protects applicants from such actions by past supervisors/employers. It makes you wonder why some employers refuse to go into detail about past employees, except for confirming dates of employment. Of course, criminals enjoy a greater luxury of their protection of rights. Great country we live in!