Q. A. Is the candidate legally eligible to possess a firearm (if required for this position)? In these instances, POST allows the department to satisfy the one-year time requirement using either the date of hire as a peace officer trainee or the date of peace officer appointment. POST has established a recommended range of scores within which that minimum score should be set. New medical and psychological evaluations are also required. A. PORAC represents over 77,000 public safety members and over 950 associations, making it the largest law enforcement organization in California and the largest statewide . It may be necessary to augment this description with information of particular relevance to medical screening, such as specifics on peace officer physical activities, environmental factors, working conditions, etc., as well as the POST Medical Screening Manual, if adopted by the hiring authority. The duty to cooperate with background investigations is a matter of public policy; however, except in very narrow circumstances, there is no legal obligation to do so. Communication among evaluators is not only sanctioned, but encouraged, per Commission Regulation 1953(d)(2): "background investigators, examining physicians, examining psychologists, and others involved in the hiring decision shall work cooperatively to ensure that each has the information necessary to conduct their respective investigations and/or assessments of the candidate.". A. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. The California Peace Officers' Association has developed progressive leadership in California law enforcement for nearly 100 years. A current list of priority institutions will be provided after each PFT. Although the evaluation of the candidate's medical suitability rests with the screening physician, there are medical and disability-related issues that are more appropriately evaluated by the background investigator, such as issues related to illegal use of drugs, alcoholism, job performance issues that may be related to a protected disability (e.g., sick leave, behavioral problems, etc. A. However, as specifically sanctioned in Commission Regulation 1950(d), it is within an individual department's purview to impose additional requirements and standards including medical-related requirements over and above the minimums required by POST. Peace Officer Standards and Accountability Division identified and separated the State of California into districts. Q. The POST peace officer selection standards apply equally to all peace officer candidates, given the purpose of these regulations: to ensure that all officers selected regardless of rank or Penal Code classification - are physically, mentally and morally capable of successfully performing the duties of a peace officer. However, competent professional training of background investigators is the employer's legal responsibility and will provide assurance that the investigations are lawful and effective. Yes. The regulation states that "the POST Background Investigation Dimensions shall be considered in the conduct of every peace officer background investigation?" Our institutions operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A. This bill eliminates certain immunity provisions for peace officers, custodial officers, and certain public entities. Peace Officer and Public Safety Dispatcher selection requirements and resources, Peace Officer and Public Safety Dispatcher selection information, training requirements and basic course resources, Manager, executive, and leadership training and resources, Proposed TTS revisions, Basic Course resources, AICP, IDI, IRB and other resources, Resources for law enforcement Training Managers, Police Officer, Field Training/Police Training, Reserve Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Investigation, Supervisor, and Sergeant, Public Safety Dispatcher training resources. Yes. At their discretion, evaluators may also upload a CV or resume. A. Would a PC830.1 Deputy Sheriff of the County be regarded as a new appointment if s/he left the Sheriff's Department to become a PC830.2 District Attorney's Investigator for that same County? Besides helping establish legal rights of survivorship or medical decision-making, dissolution documents can contain highly relevant information concerning a candidate's character or financial well-being. Second, a candidate should not be penalized for failing to reveal medical or disability-related information prior to a conditional offer of employment, even in response to a direct inquiry. To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment. The training academy instills pride, discipline, respect, and teamwork in our candidates. A. Even at the pre-offer stage, it is permissible for the investigator to address other, non-disability related issues associated with this incident, such as: Did the candidate properly disclose having been taken into custody on the Personal History Statement? No. This includes parole, internal affairs, and correctional safety. Q. A. Every female Officer has her own unique perspective on how being a woman affects her role as a Correctional Officer. However, because the examination and evaluation protocols in the Manual were developed specifically for relevance to the entry-level patrol officer position, it is imperative for each department (and their medical experts) to review these protocols and the assumptions about the job upon which they rest before adopting or adapting them for use in their department. Q. No. Q. So which parts of the background investigation can be conducted post-offer? Strategic Communications and Research As such, it is assumed that inquiries of this nature can and should be addressed in the course of the background investigation and the psychological evaluation. A. Q. All requirements in Commission Regulations 1950-1955 must be satisfied prior to an individual's appointment as a peace officer. Q. A. California Labor Code Section 432.7 prohibits prospective employers from considering a history of arrest (or detention) that did not result in a conviction; however, it exempts employers of peace officers and other criminal justice agency personnel from this prohibition. A. Are reserve peace officer candidates required to meet these reading and writing ability requirements? A. Police Complaints - local law enforcement agency complaints per SB2, A variety of publications designed to enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement, Official messages from POST about topics that affect law enforcement training, The POST Program exists under the authority of, and in compliance with, California Penal Code Sections 13503, 13506, and 13510, Progress on projects and programs, and other important updates, The completed form must be presented to the hiring department as part of the background process, The completed form must be provided to the hiring departments screening physician as part of the medical evaluation, POST sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement officers, and fosters professionalism in agencies and officers, Report an issue, broken link, or ask a question, POST is conducting Open Examinations for the Law Enforcement Consultant (LEC) I and II classifications. If an officer returns to a department after a brief separation, do they have to meet POST requirements? information derived from contacts and interviews with references. Q. If an officer is mandatorily reinstated after an involuntary separation, must s/he be re-evaluated against the POST selection requirements? Peace Officer and Public Safety Dispatcher applicant and agency hiring requirements, information, and resources. A. To defer any part of the hiring process that does not involve disability-based inquiries jeopardizes the legitimacy of the COE. Cases will be handled regionally. POST has an online list of psychologists who have submitted verification of CPE in order to meet this requirement. The department has sole discretion in determining what, if any, assessments are necessary and to ensure that the peace officer continues to meet the statutory requirements of Government Code sections 1029, 1031 and 1031.5. Generally yes. POST selection requirements do not distinguish between different classifications of peace officers. Topics covered include: , Courtesy of James R. Touchstone, Esq. Regardless of whether it was created by the departmental evaluator or the second opinion evaluator, a Psychological Suitability Declaration indicating that the candidate was determined to be psychologically suitable for exercising the powers of a peace officer must be included in the background file of the peace officer. Other tattoos not usually visible are of questionable relevance. Q. Therefore, the re-establishment of the selection standards is not required. As such, there is no assurance that peace officer screening psychologists devote their CEhours to courses directly relevant to this purpose. Q. Q: Commission Regulation 1953(f)(1)(A)(1) includes a provision for the conduct of an abbreviated (updated) background investigation for a peace officer candidate who is returning to the same department after a voluntary separation. Yes, in some cases. Q. If the interview is being conducted pre-offer, the investigator must defer any further discussion about the topic until the post-offer stage, no matter how relevant to the candidate's suitability for the job. The law referenced in the post applies to non-citizens with work authorization, such as asylum-seekers and refugees. All individuals who are deemed as meeting POST psychological screening requirements must be able to perform as a peace officer, regardless of their specific peace officer classification. A. State law - California Government Code (GC)1031 - establishes the minimum selection standards for all California peace officers. If a reserve officer wants to become a regular officer with the same department, does the reserve officer need to undergo a new background investigation, medical, and psychological evaluation? There's no exact answer to this question, but in their letter to POST, the EEOC stated, "An unreasonable delay may exist where a responding agency routinely takes several weeks or months to provide documents and waiting for these official documents will significantly increase the length of the entire hiring process.". While a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner may be involved in obtaining the medical history and conducting the physical examination, a physician must be responsible for reviewing this information and making the determination of medical suitability. Commission Regulation 1953(d) states that, "Nonmedical and nonpsychological background information may be collected after a conditional offer of employment (COE) is issued if it could not have been reasonably collected prior to the COE." Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes both a Permanent Resident Card issued by U.S. Q. It is one of the reasons why it is inappropriate to use the peace officer PHS (2-251) for non-peace officer positions. A. There are a limited number of foreign schools that would meet the criteria stipulated in Government Code 1031(e). California Legislative Information, accessed Feb. 16. Can the department require candidates to choose from a specified list of physicians if the candidate wants to get a second opinion? CPOA's membership program strives to develop your leadership skills through training, advocacy and networking. Can the screening physician report the presence of tattoos or evidence of tattoo removal to a background investigator? What specifically is the department required to provide the evaluator in the way of job information? Q. As specified in Commission Regulation 1950(c)(2), the NOAT submitted for peace officers who are mandatorily reinstated should indicate a "correction to record." The attributes and behaviors included in the dimensions can also provide a useful way for evaluators to "translate" their clinical findings into job-related concerns and issues. Medical records from the candidate's treating physician are now required if "warranted and obtainable." A. Q. Q. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Peace Officer Bill of Rights Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act Government Code Sections 3300-3312 3300 - Title This chapter is known and may be cited as the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act. In general, however, the only information resulting from the medical evaluation that is necessary to keep in the background file is the Medical Suitability Declaration described in Commission Regulation 1954(e)(1). All Correctional Officers receive the same training and must perform the same duties. Q. The following questions and answers pertain specifically to becoming a California peace officer. State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard) This is the entry and training level class in this series. This determination should be based on input from the hiring authority, both in terms of defining the job demands and conditions, as well as the appropriate risk management criteria (i.e., the degree and type of limitations/risks deemed acceptable by the employer). You can do it. Yes, if, since the completion of the original background, circumstances have changed or sufficient time has elapsed to justify a new assessment (e.g., a spouse previously contacted may now be an ex-spouse, or an employer may have had sufficient time to form new opinions about a candidate's suitability). Peace Officer Standards and Accountability Division identified and separated the State of California into districts. To comply with the confidentiality requirements of state and federal law, details of the psychological examination and other "medical" information must be maintained as a confidential record, separate from the candidate's background investigation file. Q. Why? Copyright 2023 California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. Northern Field Office 10000 Goethe Road Suite C2 Sacramento, CA 95827 Attn: BIU (916) 255-2500 Central Field Office 5168 N. Blythe Ave., Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93722 Attn: BIU (559) 650-2375 Southern Field Office 9055 Haven Ave., Suite 100 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Attn: BIU (909) 944-6676 Peace Officers, Developmental Centers, are distinguished from other peace officer classes by performing law enforcement duties in close proximity to persons with developmental disabilities. What exactly does "considered" mean? Commission Regulation 1955(b) references "POST Continuing Professional education." Must the same psychological procedures and criteria be used for all levels of peace officers (e.g., LevelIII reserves)? Can the evaluation be conducted by the candidate's own psychologist? The sequencing of the background investigation is not a POST issue, either. All individuals who are deemed as meeting POST medical screening requirements must be able to perform as a peace officer, regardless of their specific peace officer classification. (916) 227-4258, In compliance with SB-978, POST has made available all presenter course content, With a PASS account, you can use one password to access POST's online services - including your POST Profile, Continuing Professional Training (CPT) status, and news customized for your location and occupation, State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training Quick Resources, Amendments and updates to training and selection requirements, California law enforcement job opportunities available, Find training near you using the Course Catalog and Learning Portal, Subscribe to receive email alerts for POST news, reports, bulletins, and job opportunities, Law enforcement statistics, agencies, associations, and campaigns, The POST program exists under the authority of, and in compliance with, California Penal Code Sections 13503, 13506, and 13510, Peace Officer, Dispatcher/Supervisor, and Records Supervisor. Medical history is often the most important part of the medical evaluation, more so than either the physical examination or the medical testing. Learn about the new CDCR K9 officers graduating the academy click here for the article. Convictions set aside under PC1203.4 must be disclosed to a public agency employer, but do not have to be disclosed to a private employer. Q. We welcome ALL sworn members of BU 7. No. Courses that meet some mandates are available on the POST Learning Portal. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Since licensed psychologists are already required to take continuing education courses, why is this new requirement necessary? The submitted information will be reviewed to determine if it meets the required quality and content criteri. What exactly constitutes a confidential . It is a supplement to the original background investigation in order to bring the original documentation up-to-date by accounting for changed circumstances or the passage of time. No. What is the recommended way to evaluate peace officer candidates against the POST Psychological Screening Dimensions? As a general rule, in California, infractions/accidents remain on a record for three years, misdemeanor offenses/two-point incidents for seven years, and DUIs and hit-and-run incidents for ten years. Can the reading and writing requirement ever be waived? Our department conducts personality assessments pre-offer, is that OK? Police Complaints - local law enforcement agency complaints per SB2, A variety of publications designed to enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement, Official messages from POST about topics that affect law enforcement training, The POST Program exists under the authority of, and in compliance with, California Penal Code Sections 13503, 13506, and 13510, Progress on projects and programs, and other important updates, The completed form must be presented to the hiring department as part of the background process, The completed form must be provided to the hiring departments screening physician as part of the medical evaluation, POST sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement officers, and fosters professionalism in agencies and officers, Report an issue, broken link, or ask a question, POST is conducting Open Examinations for the Law Enforcement Consultant (LEC) I and II classifications. Yes, but if it is conducted pre-offer, no medical or disability-related questions can be included. If a POST-participating agency is absorbed by another department, are the absorbed officers considered new appointments? Closing Date: Continuous, Our leaders from government, law enforcement, education and the public establish standards and direct POST, Excellence in Training, BUD Hawkins, and POST Awards, Account No. and Main Navigation, Peace Officer Selection Requirements FAQs. Can the screening psychologist communicate directly with the screening physician/background investigator when he/she becomes aware of medical/background issues during the psychological exam? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. A. Closing Date: Continuous, Our leaders from government, law enforcement, education and the public establish standards and direct POST, Excellence in Training, BUD Hawkins, and POST Awards, Account Evaluators will be asked to provide contact information (this can be the same information provided to BOP for licensure), license number, as well as completed course information, including associated documentation. A. Q. Q. Note: "proof of mailing" from the Postal Service is not equivalent to a receipt issued by USCIS. These would include overseas schools operated by the Department of Defense schools, foreign schools accredited by an association recognized by one of the accrediting agencies recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, or one of the four additional associations that oversee the accreditation of private institutions (i.e., NCPSA, AdvancED, CAPE, and NFNSSAA). "SB 960 only allows noncitizen residents with full federal legal work authorization not undocumented immigrants -- to become police officers in California. This would be no different than, for example, a California Highway Patrol officer seeking appointment as an Investigator with the State Alcoholic Beverage Control, even though both are peace officers under Penal Code830.2, and both are employees of the State of California. Yes, it is acceptable to modify the POST PHS; departments that wish to do so can request an "unprotected" version of the form by emailing POST. The Legislature had a strict deadline of August 31st, to send all bills to Governor , Courtesy of James R. Touchstone, Esq. Only the medical suitability declaration should be in the candidate's background file. In other words, it is the department's right and responsibility to arrive at a resolution to the discrepant psychological determinations, based on a policy that gives due consideration to findings of both the departmental and the second opinion evaluator (per FEHA Regulation - 2 CCR11071(d)(2)). Q. Required training and training resources available for Investigators / Detectives. Q. Peace officers in a department that is entirely absorbed by another department are not seen as new appointments if both the absorbing department and the absorbed department are within the same city, county, state or district. The department must still be in possession of the original background, and that background must demonstrate that the candidate meets all requirements in existence at the present time of appointment/reappointment. The post refers to California Senate Bill 960, which Newsomsigned into law in September 2022. Q. "(California Gov. Given the significant differences between these two jobs, how can the same dimensions apply equally to both classifications? Q. The number of contacts that are initiated is largely up to the common sense and good judgment of the investigators and their reviewing authorities. A score on the POST or other acceptable assessment of reading and writing ability has no shelf life; therefore, a candidate may submit the departmental letter from the previous administration to the prospective employer. and therefore there is no need for the same department to collect this information again. A. A. Q. Not for the purposes of satisfying POST requirements. The background investigation update provision is intended to eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort involved in re-collecting the same information on individuals that the department already maintains and is not subject to change (e.g., birth certificate). Why not? POST authority does not extend to candidates who are not hired. Apply to be a correctional peace officer today! (Note: second opinion evaluations are different in that respect (see1954 (f)). Q. During compliance reviews, POST looks for a medical suitability declaration from the physician stating that the candidate was evaluated according to POST regulations and was found to be medically suitable. Our screening psychologists rate candidates on a scale from A-F, but they do not state whether the findings render the candidate psychologically suitable or unsuitable. . Q. Other departments have the discretion of accepting this letter as evidence that the candidate has met the POST reading and writing standard, if the candidate's score is deemed acceptable by that department. A conviction can lead to a felony charge punishable by up to three years in jail or prison. Why doesn't POST provide these to its member departments? All requirements in Commission Regulations 1950-1955 must be satisfied prior to an individual's appointment as a peace officer. Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. Selma Police Department EOW: January 31, 2023. Each action is considered on its own facts and circumstances.