G5.2.4 Background Investigation
Chapter: Chapter 05: Recruitment and Selection
Sub-Chapter: 5.2 - Selection
Effective Date: 08/02/2023
Revised Date: 09/30/2024
Rescinds: G5.2.4 – 8/2/2023; F5.2.4-12 – 10/2023
Purpose
To state the background investigation pre-employment contingency requirement for all candidates who have accepted a position with the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD).
General Order
A background investigation will be conducted on all candidates who have accepted a position with the IUPD. The background investigation is conducted to verify the candidate’s personal integrity and high ethical standards and to identify any past behavior that may be indicative of the candidate’s unsuitability to perform duties relevant to the operations of the IUPD. Candidates must pass the background investigation prior to their start date.
Background Investigation
Background investigations are conducted under the direction of the major responsible for investigations. With the approval from the superintendent for public safety, the IUPD may contract with a third party to conduct background investigations.
Background investigations conducted by the IUPD will only be assigned to personnel who have been properly trained to ensure compliance with applicable legal restrictions and IU policy. Investigators will report their findings only and will not report or include any opinion or recommendation. The report and complete background investigation file will be forwarded to the major responsible for investigations who will review for accuracy and completeness. The major responsible for investigations will forward the final report to the appropriate deputy superintendent who will review the information and make a determination on the suitability of the candidate to perform the duties of the position. The final report and complete background investigation file will be stored by the business operations manager in compliance with IU policy.
The background investigation for each candidate for all IUPD positions will include, at minimum, the following:
- Verification and review of qualifying credentials including education and employment (5.2.4 a);
- Verification of any prior criminal justice employment including terms of separation (5.2.4 b);
- A review of any criminal record (5.2.4 c);
- Background check through standard Indiana University process; and
- Verification of at least three (3) professional references (5.2.4 d).
Additional components of the background investigation for sworn positions will include a review and/or verification of the following, as applicable:
- Driving history and license
- Military service record
- Law enforcement department or agency records in accordance with Indiana Code (IC) 36-8-2-2
- Law enforcement certification and training records, including a review of the relevant national or state decertification resources
- Credit check through standard Indiana University process
- Civil cases
- Resident citizenship of the United States
- Personal references
- Prior interaction records with applicable city and/or county law enforcement agencies or departments
- Publicly available content on social media accounts
Related Information
Indiana Code
- 5-2-1-12.5 Revocation of diploma, certificate, or badge
- 36-8-2-2 Police and law enforcement system; hiring procedures
Indiana University
- HR-02-10 Background Checks
Indiana University Police Department
- F5.2.4-1 Required Paperwork
- F5.2.4-2 Supplemental Information
- F5.2.4-3 Release for Background Investigation
- F5.2.4-4 Background Investigation Checklist
- F5.2.4-5 Dispatch Driver’s License & III Checks
- F5.2.4-6 Candidate Personal Reference
- F5.2.4-7 Candidate Employer Reference
- F5.2.4-8 Agency Employment Records Request
- F5.2.4-9 Cover Letter for Mailed Reference Checks
- F5.2.4-10 Agency General Records Request
- F5.2.4-11 Agency Record Checks – Resident/Employment
- F5.2.4-13 Additional Investigation Form
- F5.2.4-14 Background Template