NCJ Number
75674
Date Published
1977
Length
143 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidelines for the background investigations of law enforcement officer candidates in California.
Abstract
Individual sections focus on preliminary considerations, suggestions for conducting investigations, and areas of investigation. These areas include personal data; relatives, references, and acquaintances; education; residences; experience and employment; military, financial, and legal background; motor vehicle operation; and general topics. For each area, general introductory statements explain why the items should be included in the background investigation. Discussions of the areas of inquiry cover background information the investigator should or should not examine; and for each acceptable area, relevant job dimensions are listed. The job dimensions represent the major and critical areas of performance in entry-level law enforcement and are the result of a job analysis of the patrol officer function. Included are communication skills, problemsolving and learning ability, dependability, integrity, and others. Also provided for each area of inquiry are legal and cautionary notes and practical suggestions on how the investigator can obtain information. A major purpose of this material is to assist the employer in establishing employment practices which can reduce the possibility of costly litigation and ensure equal opportunity for applicants. Appendixes contain the State's Personal History Statement for job applicants, definitions of the job dimensions, an investigation checklist, a sample narrative report and matrix, and a document verification list. Also included are sample application-for-information and authorization forms, cover letters, and questionnaires. Footnotes with references are provided.