Background Inquiry Process
The Background Inquiry process begins upon
successful passing of the testing process. You will be given instructions on how to complete your Personal History Statement (PHS), otherwise known as your
background packet. Once you complete your PHS you will then be assigned a Background Investigator. The San Jose Police Department Background Investigation
Unit is committed to providing our community with the highest quality of police department employees. Our goal is to employ a work force comprised of
individuals who are committed to excellence and have the highest standard of ethics. It is imperative that all information an applicant provides
is truthful and accurate. Omission of facts is considered to be untruthful. Any measurement short of this falls below our standard and can be grounds
for disqualification.
A background inquiry can include but is not limited to the following:
- Driving history
- Landlords
- Education transcripts
- Roommates
- Friends and family references
- Other acquaintances
- Current and past employers
- Immigration / Nationalization
- Credit
- Military
- Past relationships
- Polygraph Interview
- Criminal history both adult and juvenile
During the course of your background inquiry it will be necessary to complete a psychological assessment of your suitability to work as a police officer. Once your background inquiry is complete, it will then be reviewed by the hiring board for employment selection. Those selected will go on to begin their formal police training at the San Jose Police Academy.
If you have questions about background issues or PHQ results, please call the Background Investigation Unit at 408-277-4131.