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1. What is required for a background investigation?

During a background investigation you will be asked to provide the following information. Please be as thorough as possible. Please remember that this is only a portion of what you will be asked to provide.

• All employment history. Provide addresses, phone numbers, and supervisors.
• The last 10 years of residency. Provide addresses, landlords, and roommates, if applicable.
• As many relatives as possible. Provide current contact information.
• At least 5 to 7 references that know you well; such as social and family friends, co-workers, military acquaintances. Provide current contact information.
• Any and all police reports, vehicle accidents, and/or citations.

Contact the Sheriff for more information.

2. What documents are required for a background investigation?

Each applicant will be required to provide the following documents for the background investigation.

• A certified copy of your birth certificate (available from the Recorders Office in the county of your birth or from the State Department of Health)
• Official high school transcripts (available at your high school office or the district office)
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of auto liability insurance coverage (available from your insurance agent)
• Copy of your Selective Service Registration letter (if male and under 26 years of age)
  Selective Service System
  P.O. Box 94738, Palatine, IL 60094-4738
  Or, if you were in the armed forces, a copy of your military discharge papers, long form (DD214)
• A photocopy of your California driver’s license
• A true copy of each police accident report of accidents within the last three years in which you were named as a driver in the incident
• A true copy of each police report in which you were arrested, whether you were convicted or not (available through the District Attorney or the arresting police/ sheriff’s office.)
• A true copy of your marriage certificate(s) and a copy of any final decrees of divorce
• A certified copy of any civil judgments against you within the past seven years
• A photocopy of your Social Security card and passport
• Copies of Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission certificates or other law enforcement training course certificates

Please keep in mind that many of these documents take from three to four weeks to obtain. It is your responsibility to arrange for and provide these documents. Originals may be returned upon request. Failure to provide the required information may disqualify you as a candidate. For more information, contact the Sheriff's office.

3. In the background process what will be an automatic disqualification?

California peace officers undergo an extensive selection process before they are hired by law enforcement agencies. Our agency follows the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission  guidelines for selection standards. The role of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training includes establishing minimum selection standards for peace officers in California and conducting research that results in the development of the tests and procedures used by local law enforcement agencies to adhere to these minimum selection standards.

The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Every California peace officer must be:

• Free of any felony convictions
• A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (CHP officers must be U.S. citizens at time of appointment)
• At least 18 years of age
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
• A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Contact the Sheriff's Office for more information.

4. How long does it take to complete the background process?

The background process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for a background investigator to complete a background. Contact the Sheriff's Office for more information.