Ariz. Admin. Code § 13-4-203

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R13-4-203 - Background Investigation

A. The Department shall conduct a background investigation before an applicant is admitted to the academy. The Department shall review the personal history statement submitted under subsection (B) and the results of the background investigation required in subsection (C) to determine whether the individual meets the requirements of R13-4-202 and the individual's personal history statement is accurate and truthful.

B. Personal history. An applicant shall complete and submit to the employing agency a personal history statement on a form prescribed by the Board. The applicant shall complete the personal history statement before the start of the background investigation and ensure that the personal history statement provides the information necessary for the Department to conduct the investigation described in subsection (C).

C. Investigative requirements. Before admitting an applicant to the academy, the Department shall collect, verify, and retain documents establishing that the applicant meets the standards specified in this Article. At a minimum, this documentation shall include:

1. Proof of the applicant's age and United States citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States. A copy of any of the following regarding the applicant is acceptable proof:

a. Birth certificate,

b. United States passport,

c. Certification of United States Naturalization,

d. Certificate of Nationality, or

e. Immigration Form I-151 or I-1551.

2. Proof of the applicant's valid driver's license. A copy of the applicant's driver's license and written verification of the applicant's driving record from the applicable state's Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, is required proof.

3. Proof that the applicant is a high school graduate or its equivalent. The following are acceptable proof:

a. A copy of a diploma from a high school recognized by the department of education of the jurisdiction in which the diploma is issued;

b. A copy of a certificate showing successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test; or

c. In the absence of proof of high school graduation or successful completion of the G.E.D. test,

i. A copy of a degree or transcript from an accredited college or university showing successful completion of high school or high school equivalency;

ii. A United States Military Service Record DD Form 214-#4 with the Education block indicating high school completion,

iii. A copy of a diploma, certificate of completion, or transcripts issued by a private school in Arizona that includes the individual's name and a signed affirmation of the school administrator that the individual named received the equivalent of a high school education; or

iv. Other evidence of high school education equivalency submitted to the Board for consideration.

4. Record of any military discharge. A copy of the Military Service Record (DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22), which documents the character of service, separation code, and reentry code, is acceptable proof.

5. Results of a psychological fitness assessment approved by the Director and conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist designated by the Department.

6. Personal references: The names and addresses of at least three individuals who can provide information regarding the applicant.

7. Previous employers or schools attended. The names and addresses of all employers of and schools attended by the applicant for the past five years.

8. Residence history. The complete address for every location at which the applicant has lived in the last five years.

9. Law enforcement agency records. The Department shall request and review law enforcement agency records in jurisdictions where the applicant has lived, worked, or attended school in the past five years. The Department shall document the information obtained.

10. Criminal history query. The Department shall query the National Crime Information Center/Interstate Identification Index (NCIC/III), and the Arizona Criminal Information Center/Arizona Computerized Criminal History (ACIC/ACCH), or the equivalent for each state where the applicant has lived, worked, or attended school in the past five years and review the criminal history record for any arrest or conviction to determine compliance with R13-4-202.

11. Fingerprint card. The Department shall obtain from an applicant and submit a fingerprint card for processing by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

a. The Department shall process a fingerprint card for an applicant entering the academy, except as provided in subsections (C)(9)(b) and (C)(9)(c). The Department shall process a fingerprint card for an applicant even if the applicant has a processed applicant fingerprint card from a previous employer.

b. If the fingerprint card is not fully processed when the applicant is ready to enter the academy, the Department may allow the applicant to attend the academy if:

i. A computerized criminal history check has been made and the results are on file with the Department, and

ii. The applicant meets all other requirements of this Section and R13-4-202.

c. If the Department has not received a fully processed fingerprint card within 15 weeks of the date of admission to the academy, the individual does not meet the requirements of this Section and may be terminated from the academy. The Department may extend the deadline for receipt of a processed fingerprint card an additional 15 weeks. An individual terminated from the academy under this subsection may be re-employed under R13-4-208 when a fully processed fingerprint card is received.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R13-4-203

Adopted effective December 16, 1992, filed June 16, 1992 (Supp. 82-2). Reference to "Council" changed to "Board" (Supp. 94-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 3201, effective July 11, 2002 (Supp. 02-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 555, effective 4/8/2016. Amended by final rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 1044, effective 7/3/2022.