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 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 | ✓ | Limited Questions | ✓ | Limited Questions |
| 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/national criminal history checks. | ✓ | Local/state/national criminal history checks | ✓ | Local/state/national criminal history checks (Convictions only) | ✓ | Local/state/national criminal history checks (Convictions only) |
| Other checks | ✓ | Brady Checks, National Decertification, and POST Eligibility status, profile, and certification. | ✓ | Brady Checks | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| LiveScan Results | ✓ | Review DOJ, FBI, CACI, and Firearms clearance. | ✓ | Review DOJ/FBI fingerprint checks, | ✓ | Review DOJ/FBI fingerprint checks, | ✓ | Review DOJ/FBI fingerprint checks, |
| 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 high school completion or equivalent; | ✓ | Verify high school completion or equivalent; |
| Employment History | ✓ | Past 10 years or since age 15; will review prior peace officer personnel file (PC 832.2[b]); verify performance, rehire eligibility. | ✓ | Past 10 years or since age 15; verify job performance, discipline, and rehire eligibility | ✓ | 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; interview references (primary & secondary) | ✓ | Contact family, spouse, references, and secondary sources for character information | ✓ | Contact at least three references. | ✓ | Contact at least three references. |
| Neighborhood Checks | ✓ | At least three current/past neighbors, landlords, and housemates over the last 10 years; include recent residences. | ✓ | At least three current/past neighbors, landlords, and housemates over the last 10 years; include recent residences. | ✓ | Check recent residence neighbors, landlord, and housemates in the last year via USPS. | ✓ | Check the most recent neighbors, landlord, and housemates 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/NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code; Review OMPF; Check UCMJ Records. | ✓ | DD214/NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code; Review OMPF; Check UCMJ Records. | ✓ | DD214/NGB22e; Character of Service; Reenlistment Code; Review OMPF; Check UCMJ Records if within 7 years. | ✗ | |
| Selective Service | ✓ | Selective Service registration, if applicable. | ✓ | 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. | ✗ | |
| 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 | ✓ | Review the candidate’s online presence for bias, extremist affiliations, or disqualifying conduct. | ✓ | Review social media for bias, integrity, or behavior issues. | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| 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. | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Professional Licenses | ✓ | Verify professional licenses if job-related (e.g., POST certifications) | ✓ | Verify professional licenses if job-related (e.g., dispatch certifications) | ✗ | ✗ | ||