Getting a U.S. police certificate of good conduct

Hello Toytown,
I was hired for a long term contract in Munich thus beginning my nightmare.

First, what is a US Police Certificate of Good Conduct(available from local precinct). We don't have precincts in Lusby, MD. We have A sheriff and a branch of the state police. Neither of which know what I need. If you call the German Embassy in D.C. and transfer to the Visa Dept, there is never a soul there. Always repeats the same message asking me to call back. This was 2 weeks ago. Any Americans Have a clue?

Also, what do I put in the spaces for the duration of the work permit. My contract is permanent starting as soon as I legally can work, and Ending when I am terminated or find a different job. Should I approximate dates?

The office in Montgomery County for the police check does it all the time. Doesn't take long at all and that is where I did my "police" check. They only show felonies or worse, so don't worry.

As for the dates on the form, put 3 years and once you get here get it changed as necessary.

Hope that helps.

I think they are asking for police record which you can contact your sheriff department and apply for it.

Wow! that is a new one for me, they want police records now? They keep making it harder and harder every year. I hope the U.S. does the same shit to them.

Hey. I had the same question. The deal is simple though...just go to your local police department and ask them for proof that you've never been arrested. They have to provide it by law. Then they stamp it, and it's official. Even though it's limited to the jurisdiction in which you live, it works. I know, because I handed mine into the German government and they issued me my Work Permit. Let me know it you have any other questions.

Actually this is a pretty standard thing and it is not very tough requirement after all.
Your local police office will give you a letter that you have not been arrested.
The thing about it is that is states you have not been arrested in this city, I guess it does not cover other cities/ states and so on.

On the other hand, they can ask for the all encompassing FBI check and that takes a longer time.

Aschaffenburgboy,

Do not worry the process of US work visas is much more complicated and takes a much longer time as it is required to have a clearance from FBI. I am a living proof of this as my application is taking 4+ months.
The US company was not able to wait for me that long, luckily I got an offer from the German parent company and now in the process of obtaining German permit.

Getting police certificates from US city/county police authorities is not difficult.
If you are a US citizen, you have the option of entering Germany without a visa and applying for the residence/work permit after arrival.

If I went to the country would I still need the police certificate? And would the process be expedited? If I went there first could I work while the permit was in progress?

Sounds like you need the police certificate no matter what, but in most cases you probably can start work without it (that's up to the employer, though, so first see what your contract says).