Background

Preparation

California P.O.S.T. (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) has mandates regarding the due diligence a law enforcement agency must complete to thoroughly investigate a peace officer’s background prior to an offer of employment. In an era of heightened concerns about the profession, the department cannot bear the risk of liability in leaving any stone unturned.

To start, you will be sent a link to our online hiring software, where you will upload a variety of documents including but not limited to: your driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, marriage/dissolution certificate, military records, selective service card, transcripts, diplomas, and your vehicle registration and insurance cards. You will also be tasked with completing other assignments in a timely manner, along with completing your Personal History Statement (PHS) mandated by California POST. This document requires you to provide information about immediate relatives, 7-10 character references, residential history including names of roommates and landlords, and specific details relating to your education, employment, military experience, financial background, criminal history, and illegal drug use.

Preparation is the key to success, so if you want to expedite the hiring process and illustrate your organizational skills and commitment to this career, it would be wise to start collecting these documents now. However, if you order physical transcripts, have them sent to the department or your home (but keep them sealed). If your institution provides electronic transcripts, wait until your background investigator provides you with an email or link.

Interview

Once you have completed your online tasks, arrangements will be made for you to meet with a background investigator who may ask clarifying questions. Any action items that require follow-up on your part at the conclusion of this meeting should be handled without delay.

Investigation

Your background investigator will spend several weeks, if not months, working through the information you provided and determining your fitness for the position. They will interview your references, neighbors, employers, and family, and conduct a residence check.
At the conclusion of their investigation, a final summary report will be provided to the agency for their review. At this point, a determination will be made on whether or not to have the candidate continue through the hiring process.