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I-Team: Man Who Shot Officers Wanted To 'Assist Boston Police Dept'

BOSTON (CBS) - A constable's application obtained by the WBZ I-Team reveals new details about the man who shot two Boston police officers.

When asked why he wanted to be appointed as a Boston constable, Kirk Figueroa wrote, "My goal is to become (active) in community oriented policing, and to assist Boston Police Dept as needed."

Figueroa added, "At the same, ensure local commercial businesses and residents safety by mitigating criminal mischief."

Figueroa was killed in East Boston in a shootout with police.

Both officers survived and are continuing to recover. Officer Richard Cintolo was discharged on Wednesday. Officer Matt Morris remains hospitalized, but has been upgraded to stable condition.

Officer Richard Cintolo and Matt Morris
Boston Police Officer Richard Cintolo and Officer Matt Morris. (Image Credit: Boston Police Department)

The January 2016 application asked if Figueroa had been arrested or appeared as a defendant in court charged with any criminal law, regardless of disposition. Figueroa wrote, "N/A."

However, as the WBZ I-Team previously reported, Figueroa was charged with two felonies in Georgia for arson and impersonating a private detective.

Read: Kirk Figueroa's Constable's Application

The application also asked if a restraining order had ever been filed against Figueroa. As the I-Team uncovered in a divorce complaint, Figueroa's wife alleged a history of domestic abuse and requested a restraining order. Court records do not show the protective measure was ever granted.

Kirk Figueroa
Kirk Figueroa. (Photo credit: elitepolicing.org)

In his work history, Figueroa said he worked as military police for the US Army Reserve, even though WBZ learned he lied about his experience.

Figueroa also said he worked as a private investigator in Florida, but officials there denied his license.

Despite the red flags, Figueroa was able to receive his Boston constable's license this summer. The duties of the job deal mostly with serving civil court records like lawsuits and evictions. After passing the needed requirements, constables are approved by the City Council.

Commissioner Evans previously told reporters the background check for prospective constables does not include a search of the FBI's database.

According to his application, Figueroa completed his 40 hours of constable training at the William Cloran Academy.

This week, the Boston City Council unanimously decided to take a closer look at the vetting process for constables. A hearing date will be set to discuss the issue.

Boston attorney Jonathan Plaut signed the required "statement of endorsement" on the constable application, indicating he believed Figueroa would be a good candidate for the job.

Plaut told WBZ he interviewed Figueroa in his office for several hours and took the process very seriously. Plaut said they spoke extensively about Figueroa's background and qualifications.

"He seemed very serious, very diligent and very experienced," Plaut said. "There was nothing to suggest he should not be a constable. I wouldn't have signed it if I didn't think he was of good moral character."

Along with the required attorney endorsement, four other Boston residents also signed the application on behalf of Figueroa.

Ryan Kath can be reached at rkath@cbs.com. You can follow him on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

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