Police Recruit Background Investigation/Interview

Background Investigation

The Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation of your background. You will be requested to authorize organizations and individuals who know you, to release and verify relevant information about you. The Background Investigator will contact prior employers, relatives, and references. Information provided during these contacts may result in other individuals being contacted. The investigator will check into your employment history, credit status, driving record, and other pertinent information. A criminal history check will also be made. Next, you will be scheduled for an in-depth background interview with the Police Department Investigator. During this appointment, you will be fingerprinted.

Polygraph Examination

As part of the background process, the Background Detective will schedule you for a polygraph examination. You will be tested in 15 different background areas called "Job Dimensions." In addition, you will be asked to determine if you were honest with the background detective, truthful on your application, undetected criminal involvement, traffic history, illicit drug use, illegal gambling habits, and any other pertinent information discovered or revealed during the background investigation, including employment and military history.

Appointing Authority Interview

Viable candidates will be scheduled for an appointing authority interview with the San Diego Police Department. Your qualifications, communication skills, and many other job related factors would be evaluated relating to your suitability and fitness to begin a police career with the San Diego Police Department.

Personal History Statement

A "Personal History Statement" (Word  PDF) is required as part of the background investigation. The form may be downloaded or a hardcopy will be provided the day of the Physical Abilities Test. The Personal History Statement will not be completed until after the successful completion of the Physical Abilities Test.