Background Investigation Standards Flashcards

How far back does the LAPD background investigation typically verify an applicant's employment history?

Answer: The past ten years or back to age 18, whichever is longer

LAPD investigators typically contact all employers for the past ten years or back to age 18 to establish a comprehensive picture of the applicant's work history and character.

An applicant was terminated from a previous job for insubordination two years ago. How is this most likely treated during the LAPD background investigation?

Answer: Evaluated in context, including the applicant's explanation and overall employment record

A prior termination is evaluated in full context — investigators will review the circumstances, speak with former supervisors, and weigh the applicant's candor and subsequent behavior.

An applicant voluntarily resigned from a prior law enforcement agency while under internal affairs investigation. This is most likely to:

Answer: Trigger deeper scrutiny and inquiry into the nature of the investigation

Resignation under investigation at a prior law enforcement agency is a major red flag that LAPD investigators will examine closely, including requesting records from the previous agency.

What type of military discharge is most likely to disqualify an LAPD applicant?

Answer: Other Than Honorable (OTH) or Dishonorable discharge

An Other Than Honorable or Dishonorable discharge indicates significant misconduct during military service and is typically disqualifying or highly problematic for law enforcement applications.

During the LAPD background investigation, a personal reference provided by the applicant tells the investigator that the applicant has difficulty controlling their temper. This disclosure is most likely to:

Answer: Trigger follow-up interviews with other references and possibly the applicant directly

Any negative information from a reference — even one chosen by the applicant — triggers additional investigation to determine whether the temperament concern is corroborated by other sources.

An LAPD applicant's social media profiles reveal posts from three years ago expressing strong anti-law enforcement sentiments. How is this most likely handled?

Answer: Reviewed as part of the character assessment and may raise suitability concerns

Social media content is routinely reviewed during LAPD background investigations, and statements that conflict with the values of law enforcement are evaluated as part of overall character and suitability.

An applicant lists a college degree on their LAPD application, but the background investigator discovers they earned only enough credits to complete the degree and never formally graduated. This is most likely to result in:

Answer: Disqualification primarily for misrepresentation rather than the missing credential

Misrepresenting educational credentials — even subtly — is treated as an honesty violation, which is often more damaging to an application than the underlying credential discrepancy.