12 NCAC 09B .0102          BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

(a)  Prior to employment, an agency shall complete a background investigation on all applicants for certification. The investigation shall examine the applicant's character traits and habits relevant to performance as a law enforcement officer and shall determine whether the applicant is of good moral character. This examination includes completion of Commission forms Personal History Statement Form (F-3) and Mandated Background Investigation Form (F-8), ensuring the proper certification and criminal history record check required by each.

(b)  Prior to the investigation, the applicant shall complete the Commission's Personal History Statement Form (F-3) to provide a basis for the investigation. The agency shall certify that the results of the background investigation are consistent with the information provided by the applicant on the Personal History Statement Form (F-3) and give the applicant the opportunity to update the Personal History Statement Form (F-3) prior to submission to the Division.

(c)  The agency shall utilize an investigator with prior experience or training in conducting background investigations. The investigator shall document the results of the investigation on the Mandated Background Investigation Form (F-8) and shall include in the report of investigation:

(1)           biographical data;

(2)           family data;

(3)           scholastic data;

(4)           employment data;

(5)           criminal history data;

(6)           interviews with the applicant's references; and

(7)           a summary of the investigator's findings and conclusions regarding the applicant's moral character known to the agency or listed on the applicant's Personal History Statement (F-3). This documentation shall be included with all other documentation required in 12 NCAC 09C .0307.

(d)  The employing agency shall include a signed and notarized Release Authorization Form that authorizes the Division staff to obtain documents and records pertaining to the applicant for certification that may be required in order to determine whether certification may be granted.

(e)  The employing agency shall provide to the Division staff the results of a completed and processed form AOC-CR-280, Law Enforcement Application for Verification of Expunction under G.S. 15A-145.4, 15A-145.5, 15A-145.6, 15A-145.8A or 15A-146, for each applicant presented for certification. The AOC-CR-280 form is available on the Commission's website at no cost https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/forms-and-publications/.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 17C‑6;

Eff. January 1, 1981;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2002; August 1, 1998; July 1, 1989;

Temporary Amendment Eff. April 15, 2003;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2004;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 25, 2019;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2022.