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Police Operations and Data Analysis Report, Morgan Hill, California
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Department members have also assisted in recruiting by referral of potential applicants. MHPD
employees receive a $750 bonus when an applicant is hired and a second $750 bonus when
probation is completed. Based on application screening and test results the captain determines
which applicants move on to the background process.
The pre-employment background investigation is one of the most important investigations a law
enforcement agency will ever conduct. The investigations must be very comprehensive if they are
to lead to informed hiring decisions. They must assure compliance with all applicable minimum
standards for appointment and screen out candidates who are found unsuitable for the position
based on relevant information and past history. Background investigations are also among the most
challenging investigations to conduct. The manner in which background investigation are
conducted, from the areas investigated to the evaluation of resulting information, must be treated
consistently across all candidates.
The Morgan Hill Police Department contracts with an independent company to conduct its
employee background investigations. Once completed, the background packages are reviewed by
both MHPD captains before going to the Chief for final approval. In the last three years, MHPD has
hired 19 employees, including 12 police officers who were predominantly lateral hires. Background
disqualification issues seen by MHPD are the same as those seen by most law enforcement agencies.
MHPD reports the majority of disqualifications are based on credibility and lapses in decision
making (drug use, theft, financial issues). With the hiring of a majority of laterals, experience level
also has a significant impact on MHPD hiring decisions.
Training and experience are essential for a position as critical as background investigator for an
organization. Conducting thorough investigations to identify the best candidates for police work is
critically important and requires consistency and expertise. MHPD has recently transitioned from
one background contractor to another. Management must be diligent in reviewing completed
backgrounds to ensure the thoroughness and quality of the new company meets MHPD standards.
Many agencies have enlisted the assistance of a department retiree(s) to provide background
investigation services. The retiree, a temporary employee not eligible for benefits, works under the
immediate supervision of the department. This provides the agency with additional control over
the background process.
The establishment a Professional Standards Unit under the direction of a sergeant to manage
department-wide essential support services such as recruitment and background investigations
will help the department maintain high standards of ethics and professionalism in recruitment and
hiring.
Recommendations:
Management must be diligent in reviewing completed backgrounds to ensure the
thoroughness and quality of the new company meets MHPD standards.
Consideration should be given to utilizing a retiree to conduct background investigations.
This would be a temporary position, without benefits, that would work on an as-needed