Criminal investigations frequently involve background investigations of persons, particularly as they relate to white collar crime, organized crime and vice activities. These background investigations should be conducted discreetly and with special precautions.
The following procedures will be followed by members of the department when conducting background investigations other than background investigations for employment with the department.
- No background investigation will be initiated without unit head approval.
- No background investigation will be conducted on individuals, businesses or corporations unless the investigation is directly related to a reported or suspected Criminal activity.
- The purpose of the background investigation must be clearly established and documented by a report within five days of initiating the background investigation. Included in this report must be the individuals or business name and reference to the criminal activity being investigated. This report must be submitted to the unit head responsible for the investigation.
- All sources of information used in the report must be documented. Potential sources of information:
o Police agencies.
o Licensing agencies.
o Credit bureaus.
o Banking and savings institutions.
o Government documents.
o Business and social contacts.
- All information gathered in the background investigation will be kept strictly confidential. A need to know must be present for its release.
- The head of the unit initiating the background investigation will review the report within 30 days after its completion. If the report is material to the criminal activity in question, it shall become part of the case file. If the report is not material to the criminal activity in question, it shall be destroyed.
- No background investigation will be conducted by members of this department pertaining to licensing of businesses, corporations, or individuals, excluding the licensing for carrying or possessing firearms.
- This order is not intended to restrict or impede the accepted legal practice of determining the identity of persons or businesses with whom the police come in contact during their normal course of duties.
- This order is not intended to restrict informational release of public data.
Revised July 1, 2011