Through NACOLE, civilian oversight has long focused on addressing instances of police misconduct, and on reshaping policies to better guide police interactions with the public.
Long overlooked in this mission is the question of how applicants for police officer and sheriff’s deputy positions are screened and understanding the importance of background investigations. Hiring the right people up front has the potential of positively impacting the police profession, furthering community policing efforts and building police legitimacy. Individuals who are not properly subjected to a thorough background investigation often lead to major problems that tarnish the profession and damage trust.
Is the agency you oversee doing thorough, comprehensive background checks on its applicants?
Drs. Mark Iris and Sandy Jo MacArthur address this important question from two directions: first, by presenting examples of how not to do a background check (and the very predictable negative consequences), and then by presenting the key components of a well-done, comprehensive background investigation.
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