Law Enforcement Background Investigation Services

At The Gumshoe Group, we provide comprehensive law enforcement background investigations designed to meet the high standards of California POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) while offering customizable enhancements to fit the unique needs of each agency. Our certified investigators deliver accurate, thorough, and legally compliant screenings to ensure only the most qualified candidates enter positions of public trust.

POST Peace Officer Backgrounds

A complete, in-depth background investigation for sworn peace officers. This process includes an extensive review of criminal history, employment verification, personal references, financial responsibility, education, and character traits to confirm compliance with POST mandates.

POST Dispatcher (Non-Sworn) Backgrounds

Designed specifically for public safety dispatchers and other non-sworn roles requiring POST clearance. This investigation meets all state requirements while evaluating suitability for high-stress, mission-critical communication roles.

Streamlined Plus Backgrounds

An efficient option tailored for sensitive non-sworn positions that do not require a full POST background but demand a higher level of scrutiny. Streamlined Plus covers key elements such as employment history, reference checks, and criminal background verification, providing agencies with confidence in faster hiring decisions.

Streamlined Backgrounds

The ideal choice for volunteers, chaplains, interns, and similar positions not subject to POST requirements. This lighter screening evaluates core risk factors to help agencies protect integrity and maintain trust while keeping the process efficient and cost-effective.

Enhanced Service Levels

Each of our background services can be upgraded with advanced screening tools — such as truth-verification exams (CVSA), social media reviews, LiveScan fingerprinting, or expanded reference checks — to exceed POST standards and meet the specific needs of your department.

 

Area of Investigation Peace Officer(POST Compliant) Dispatcher & non-sworn(POST Compliant) Streamline Plus Streamline
Notes Notes Notes Notes
Personal History Statement (PHS) ✓ POST Compliant PHS ✓ POST Compliant PHS ✓ Streamlined ✓ Streamlined
Pre-Investigation Questionnaire (PIQ) ✓ Full Questionnaire ✓ Full Questionnaire ✓ Streamlined Questionnaire ✓ Streamlined Questionnaire
Personal Identifying Information ✓ Verify name, DOB, SSN, DL, and physical description. ✓ Verify name, DOB, SSN, DL, and physical description. ✓ Verify name, DOB, SSN, DL, and physical description. ✓ Verify name, DOB, SSN, DL, and physical description.
Employment Eligibility ✓ Verify documentation for Employment Authorization in the US. ✓ Verify documentation for Employment Authorization in the US. ✓ Verify documentation for Employment Authorization in the US. ✓ Verify documentation for Employment Authorization in the US.
Age Verification ✓ Verify minimum age of 21 ✓ Verify minimum age of 18 ✓ Verify minimum age of 18 ✓ Verify minimum age of 18
Criminal Records Checks ✓ Local, state, and national criminal history checks ✓ Local, state, and national criminal history checks ✓ Local, state, and national criminal history checkss (Convictions only) ✓ Local, state, and national criminal history checks (Convictions only)
Professional License Verification / Checks ✓ Brady Checks, National Decertification, and POST Eligibility status, profile, and certification. ✓ POST Profile and Brady Checks ✗ ✗
LiveScan Results ✓ Review DOJ, FBI, CACI, and Firearms clearance. ✓ Review DOJ and FBI clearance. ✓ Review DOJ and FBI clearance. ✓ Review DOJ and FBI clearance.
Driving Record Checks ✓ DMV driving record, vehicle registration & insurance if applicable ✓ DMV driving record, vehicle registration & insurance, if applicable ✓ DMV driving record if the job requires vehicle operation. ✓ DMV driving record if the job requires vehicle operation.
Education Verification ✓ High school diploma, GED, or higher; official transcripts and accreditation verified. ✓ High school diploma, GED, or higher; official transcripts and accreditation verified. ✓ Verify education requirements (if job dependent) ✓ Verify education requirements (if job dependent)
Employment History ✓ Past 10 years or since age 15; will review prior peace officer personnel file (PC 832.2[b]); verify performance, rehire eligibility — prior background file reviews. ✓ Past 10 years or since age 15; verify job performance, discipline, and rehire eligibility — prior background file reviews. ✓ Past 7 years or since age 15; verify job performance, discipline, and rehire eligibility ✓ Past 3 years or since age 15; verify job performance, discipline, and rehire eligibility
Relatives / Personal / Secondary References ✓ Contact family, spouse, former spouses, in-laws, and references (primary & secondary). ✓ Contact family, spouse, former spouses, in-laws, and references (primary & secondary). ✓ Contact at least five references. ✓ Contact at least three references.
Neighborhood Checks ✓ At least three current/past neighbors, landlords, and housemates over the last 10 years, including a recent in-person neighborhood check. ✓ At least three current/past neighbors, landlords, and housemates, including a recent in-person neighborhood check. ✓ Check recent residence neighbors, landlord, and housemates in the last three years via USPS. ✓ Check the most recent neighbors, landlord, and housemates in the last year via USPS.
Financial / Credit History ✓ Current credit report; review bankruptcies, liens, garnishments, tax compliance; evaluate financial responsibility ✓ Credit report: review of bankruptcies, liens, and financial responsibility ✓ Credit report: review of bankruptcies, liens, and financial responsibility ✓ Database check for bankruptcies, liens, and/or judgments.
Military History ✓ DD214 or NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code; Review OMPF; Check UCMJ Records. ✓ DD214 or NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code; Review OMPF; Check UCMJ Records. ✓ DD214 or NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code. ✓ DD214 or NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code.
Selective Service ✓ Selective Service registration, if applicable. ✓ Selective Service registration, if applicable. ✗ ✗
Background Interview ✓ Review of PHS, PIQ, and submitted information with the candidate. ✓ Review of PHS, PIQ, and submitted information with the candidate. ✓ Review of PHS, PIQ, and submitted information with the candidate. ✓ Review of PHS, PIQ, and submitted information with the candidate.
Discrepancy Interview ✓ If a discrepancy exists. ✓ If a discrepancy exists. ✓ If a discrepancy exists. ✓ If a discrepancy exists.
Dissolution of Marriage / Domestic Situations ✓ Complete dissolution decrees; spousal/child support compliance; restraining orders/domestic violence review. ✓ Complete dissolution decrees and family court orders, if applicable ✗ ✗
Social Media Checks ✓ Research the candidate’s online presence for bias, extremist affiliations, or disqualifying conduct. ✓ Research social media for bias, integrity, or behavior issues. ✓ Automated Social Media Report ✗
Other Topics Relating to Moral Character ✓ Check gang/hate group affiliations, tattoos, concealed weapon permits, and memberships. ✓ Verify tattoos, affiliations, and organizations in accordance with agency policy. ✗ ✗
Truth-Verficiation ✓ Optional truth verification exams (CVSA) for agencies requiring additional assurance ✓ Optional truth verification exams (CVSA) for agencies requiring additional assurance ✓ Optional truth verification exams (CVSA) for agencies requiring additional assurance ✓ Optional truth verification exams (CVSA) for agencies requiring additional assurance