Background and polygraph prep
Not legal advice. This guide is general information. Certification, licensing and hiring rules are set by each state's POST or standards board and by each agency, and they change. Confirm anything important with them before you act on it.
Background investigations are thorough because the job requires public trust. Whether an agency uses a polygraph or a computerized voice stress analysis, and how, depends on the agency and sometimes on state rules. This guide covers general preparation only.
The personal history questionnaire
Most agencies start with a long personal history questionnaire (often called a PHQ or PHS). It's the foundation for everything that follows.
- Answer completely and truthfully. Leaving things out tends to cause more trouble than the underlying issue.
- Be consistent. Investigators compare your answers with records, references, past applications to other agencies and later interviews.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit, and review it before any interview or polygraph.
- If you're unsure, disclose and explain. Add context in your own words.
Gather records ahead of time
- Every address, employer and supervisor (with contact details) for the period the form asks about.
- Your driving record, any citations, and court records for anything you'll need to explain.
- Credit report. Review it and be ready to explain any problems.
- Military records (DD-214), education transcripts and certifications.
- For laterals: training records, evaluations, commendations and any discipline history.
References and neighbors
Tell your references they may be contacted, and make sure their contact details are current. Investigators may also talk to past neighbors, landlords and coworkers.
Social media
Assume investigators will review your public online presence. Don't delete content in a way that could look like hiding something. If asked, answer honestly about your accounts.
The polygraph (if used)
- Get a good night's sleep, eat normally, and take your usual medications. Tell the examiner about any medications or medical conditions.
- The pre-test interview usually goes over your questionnaire answers. Disclose anything you've remembered since.
- Don't try "countermeasures." Examiners are trained to look for them, and agencies treat attempts as a serious integrity problem.
- Answer each question plainly. If a question is unclear, ask for it to be clarified.
If something in your past worries you
Most agencies decide case by case, but some disqualifiers are set by state law or agency policy. Read the agency's posted disqualifiers and the state board's minimum standards. If a legal issue may affect your eligibility, talk to an attorney. This guide can't assess your situation.