Law Enforcement/Public Safety Background Investigations

707 896-9911

Public Safety Backgrounds

My process starts with the applicant logging onto my website with a unique identifier for each client agency. I have the applicant download forms and instructions in preparation for his/her interview. I then schedule each applicant for an initial interview which can take up to two hours and includes a review of the Personal History Statement form and their required documents. My questions during the investigative interview include:
  • Motivation / Preparation
  • Personal Traits / Temperament
  • Education
  • Motor Vehicle Operation
  • Employment History
  • Legal / Criminal History
  • Personal Relationships
  • Financial History
  • Military History
  • Background issues
My preliminary report summarizes the initial interview incorporating all of the areas noted. It is designed to provide a quick overview of the applicant's self disclosed behaviors in the context of POST Job Dimensions. I gather information to help the agency make an informed decision regarding the applicant's suitability. I always leave it up to the agency to determine the thresholds of tolerance for the various behaviors which can influence the direction of a background.

After the initial investigative interview, I will supply a report to the Department and let them determine if they would like to continue forward with the remaining investigation. If there are serious concerns, or disqualifying factors revealed up front, the agency may not want to continue forward with the remainder of the investigation. This method often saves a department significant time and expenses. I supply both the Personal History Statement and a summary of our interview to the polygraph examiner for their review prior to their test.

Information Collected

Reference Contacts

Beyond the initial interview, a major component of the background investigation centers on securing information from references. It is expected and anticipated that many acquaintances, friends, co-workers and social peers will provide innocuous information. I tend to focus more heavily on information from current/former employers. I will be looking for themes with each person contacted and explore ways to uncover secondary sources (individuals not supplied by the applicant). My investigative efforts always seek to secure statements from former spouses and significant others (or domestic partners).(less).

Employment Contacts

My background investigation centers on verifying employment related information. My investigation is supported by California Government Code 1031.1; (more)

Police Records Checks

The background process involves securing records from law enforcement agencies. I will prepare the requests on behalf of the agency (more)

Financial

I conduct credit checks as a source of information and to also verify financial status. My waiver meets FCRA requirements. (more)

Residence

I also conduct neighborhood checks; as required by POST but our efforts are guided by what the agency needs or wants. (more)

Driving Records

I verify driving data trough DMV records I ask the applicant to supply. (more)

Military Records

Verifying Military status is an important component of the background investigation and can be a very challenging endeavor with the transiency of supervisors and staff. (more)

Final Reports

My final background investigation reports are broken into two separate reports. (more)