Background

BACKGROUND CHECKLIST

• Personal History Statement (PHS)

The PHS is an extensive document used to collect information regarding the applicant’s past residences, acquaintances, and employment histories.
The PHS form is available on the POST website.

• Fingerprints

You will be asked to visit a local facility that has LiveScan services available for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting fees will be at the expense of the candidate. Visit the Department of Justice website to find fingerprinting locations.

• Credit Check

A credit check will be processed for each candidate in background and is free. The candidate will be provided a copy of the credit report once the information is received.

• Polygraph Exam

You will be assigned a date, time, and location to appear for your polygraph exam. You will be asked to complete a screening booklet for the polygraph examiner. During the exam you will be asked a number of questions regarding your personal history, life experiences, drug history, and other factors that are related to the selection of a peace officer.

• POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) Exam

Every candidate must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a peace officer. This exam will be administered by an ABC proctor and will be given to the applicant during the background process. If you have already taken this exam, please provide your background investigator with a copy of your results letter. If you fail the exam, you can retest but you must wait 30 calendar days before you can retest.

• Conditional Offer of Employment (COE)

Once a background has been approved, the candidate will be given a COE contingent on the candidate passing the medical and psychological exams.

• Medical Exam

Every peace officer candidate shall be evaluated by a licensed physician to determine if the candidate is free from any physical (i.e., medical) condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise peace officer powers [Government Code Section 1031(f)]. Candidates must also undergo a drug screening test.

• Psychological Exam

Every peace officer candidate shall be evaluated to determine if the candidate is free from any emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise peace officer powers and to otherwise ensure that the candidate can withstand the psychological demands of the position. There is a written exam and then an oral interview with a qualified psychological evaluator. The Chief Psychologist at CalHR will submit their determination if you are psychologically suitable for a peace officer position.