Police Applicant Background Investigation

This comprehensive 40-hour course equips participants with the essential knowledge and capabilities needed to execute impartial, comprehensive, and legally defensible background investigations that align with your agency's professional standards.

The curriculum covers relevant Federal and State statutes, contemporary case law and Supreme Court rulings, and regulatory frameworks governing personnel selection and employment. Participants will examine Federal and State employment fairness regulations, public records access requirements, EEOC standards, and ADA requirements, with emphasis on how these legal frameworks affect background investigation procedures and applicant selection decisions.

The training explores which internet-based research tools and resources deliver the most reliable background data, what information typically appears in psychological evaluations, appropriate drug screening methodologies, and effective strategies for interviewing applicants, references, former employers, and acquaintances. Documentation practices for creating detailed and factual investigative reports are also covered. A hands-on simulation exercise at course completion allows participants to apply their learning to a realistic applicant background investigation scenario.

Topics Covered

• Background investigator responsibilities
• Job dimension identification
• Background investigation policies and procedures
• Legal considerations in background investigations
• ADA compliance in hiring practices
• Psychological evaluation processes
• Veteran preference requirements
• Drug screening procedures
• Information and data sources
• Background investigation methodologies
• Interview techniques and best practices
• Objective and factual report writing
• Practical simulation exercise

Intended Audience

This training is designed for law enforcement and public safety professionals in supervisory or investigative roles, including those working in sworn and non-sworn capacities within law enforcement, corrections, human resources, and communications sectors. Appropriate candidates include individuals responsible for applicant screening and assessment, conducting applicant interviews, performing background investigations, or participating in employment selection decisions.

Course Details

Duration: 40 hours

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fee: $895.00

Scheduled Sessions

October 19-23, 2026 - Jacksonville, Florida at Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Instructors: Steven Hall, Jessica Ryan

December 7-11, 2026 - Jacksonville, Florida at Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Instructors: Adrian Arnold, Ralph Draper

January 25-29, 2027 - Murfreesboro, Tennessee at Murfreesboro Police Department, Community Room, 1004 North Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

February 22-26, 2027 - Sarasota, Florida at Sarasota Police Department, 3rd Floor Training Room, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237

March 29 - April 2, 2027 - Jacksonville, Florida at Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

August 2-6, 2027 - Altamonte Springs, Florida at Altamonte Springs Police Department, Training Room, 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

September 20-24, 2027 - Jacksonville, Florida at Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

December 13-17, 2027 - Jacksonville, Florida at Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224