Background Investigations

POST-certified background investigations for peace officers, dispatchers, and professional staff, conducted with thoroughness, efficiency, and complete compliance.

Peace Officer Background Investigations

Comprehensive POST-certified background investigations for entry-level and lateral peace officer candidates. Our investigations provide agencies with the thorough vetting necessary to make confident hiring decisions in today's competitive recruitment environment.

What's Included:

  • Complete Background Narrative Report
  • Personal History Statement Analysis
  • Criminal History Investigation
  • Driving Record Investigation
  • Local Law Enforcement & Court Index Investigations
  • Credit Records Investigation
  • Education Verification
  • Citizenship/Age Verification
  • Military History Investigation
  • Dissolution of Marriage Investigation
  • Employment Verification & History
  • Relative/Personal References Investigation
  • Neighborhood Investigation
  • Social Media Screening
  • Coverage of all POST Dimensions
  • Additional Documentation as Required

Dispatcher Background Investigations

POST-certified background investigations specifically tailored for dispatch positions, both entry-level and lateral candidates. These investigations maintain the same thoroughness as peace officer backgrounds while addressing the unique requirements of dispatch positions.

Professional Staff Investigations

FCRA and ICRAA-compliant background investigations for all professional staff positions including Community Service Officers, Police Cadets, Records Staff, Property & Evidence Technicians, Crime Scene Technicians, and Civilian Investigators.

Key Advantages:

  • Advanced Technology Platforms: Platform-agnostic capability including Guardian Alliance Technologies, eSoph, and traditional paper-based methods—we adapt to your agency's systems and needs
  • Rapid Completion: Most investigations completed within 3-4 weeks from case assignment—well below the 45-business-day industry standard, with expedited service available for priority candidates
  • Local Expertise: Our investigators' familiarity with Southern California agencies, culture, and communities provides unique investigative advantages
  • Complete Compliance: Every investigation meets all POST requirements and client specifications
  • Total Confidentiality: All materials remain your exclusive property; we maintain no records after delivery

Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA)

Professional truth verification services for pre-employment screening and criminal investigations, providing agencies with critical insights for hiring and investigative decisions.

Pre-Employment CVSA Examinations

Comprehensive pre-employment screening that identifies potential areas of concern and verifies applicant integrity in alignment with legal and ethical standards. Our CVSA examinations support confident hiring decisions by providing objective truth verification throughout your background process.

Pre-Employment CVSA Services Include:

  • Structured Pre-Examination Interview: Establish rapport and gather relevant applicant background
  • Legal Compliance: Full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (FCRA, ICRAA) with written informed consent
  • Customized Examination Design: Questions tailored to agency-specific concerns including:
    • Criminal history verification
    • Drug use assessment
    • Integrity issues (theft, falsification)
    • Gang affiliation screening
    • Domestic violence concerns
  • Professional Test Administration: Conducted in controlled environment using calibrated, certified equipment
  • Results Analysis: Voice stress pattern analysis correlated with background investigation findings
  • Post-Test Debrief: Applicant opportunity to clarify or explain flagged responses
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Clear documentation of findings, conclusions, and recommendations

Criminal Investigation CVSA

Professional CVSA services to support active criminal investigations, providing investigative tools to verify statements, identify deception, and corroborate evidence in accordance with modern law enforcement practices.

Criminal Investigation CVSA Features:

  • Rapid Response Protocol: Available for criminal investigations with flexible scheduling to meet case needs
  • 24/7 Availability: Available for deployment with prior scheduling or on-call agreement
  • Pre-Test Coordination: Review of case materials and consultation with investigators to develop tailored question sets
  • Legal Compliance: All tests conducted in compliance with applicable laws with voluntary consent
  • Customized for Case Type: Examinations designed for specific offenses (homicide, sexual assault, burglary, internal matters)
  • Immediate Verbal Summary: Preliminary results provided to investigators immediately following examination
  • Comprehensive Written Report: Detailed documentation including interview summary, test structure, analysis, and conclusions
  • Court Support: Available for case consultation and expert testimony

Over 300 Examinations Completed & Reviewed

Our examiners have successfully completed and reviewed more than 300 CVSA examinations, providing reliable truth verification services to law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California.

Personnel Investigations

Independent administrative and internal affairs investigations for law enforcement agencies, providing impartial, thorough, and legally defensible findings for sensitive personnel matters and workplace complaints.

Administrative & Internal Affairs Investigations

Driscoll & Associates provides neutral third-party administrative and internal affairs investigation services for law enforcement agencies. For small and newly established departments, outsourcing this function to a qualified outside investigator eliminates conflicts of interest, ensures procedural integrity, and protects the agency from legal exposure associated with in-house investigations of sensitive personnel matters.

Our Principal holds POST certification as an Internal Affairs Investigator and conducted administrative and IA investigations throughout his command career, including cases involving officer use-of-force complaints, discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment allegations, retaliation and whistleblower claims, policy violations, misconduct, and citizen complaints requiring independent review.

Investigation Types We Handle:

  • Officer Use-of-Force Complaints: Independent review of force incidents and citizen complaints
  • Discrimination & Harassment: Title VII, California FEHA, and hostile work environment allegations
  • Retaliation & Whistleblower Claims: Protected disclosure and reprisal investigations
  • Policy Violations & Misconduct: Conduct unbecoming, truthfulness, and policy compliance matters
  • Citizen Complaints: Independent review of community complaints requiring impartial fact-finding
  • Sensitive Personnel Matters: High-profile or politically sensitive investigations requiring outside investigator

Our Investigation Process

Each investigation is conducted in full compliance with applicable law enforcement officers' rights statutes (including POBRA where applicable), California FEHA, Title VII, and due process requirements. We prioritize thoroughness, neutrality, and defensibility at every step.

Comprehensive Investigation Services:

  • Pre-Investigation Case Review: Planning and consultation with agency command to establish scope and methodology
  • Witness & Subject Interviews: Legally sound, trauma-informed interview methodologies ensuring procedural compliance
  • Evidence Collection & Documentation: Thorough review of documents, recordings, and physical evidence with chain-of-custody maintenance
  • Impartial Findings Report: Factual conclusions with recommended findings where requested by the agency
  • Executive Summary: Presentation-ready summary suitable for city management, city attorney, or oversight bodies
  • Optional CVSA Component: Truth verification examination for subject and witness credibility assessment when appropriate
  • Expert Consultation & Testimony: Available for case consultation and courtroom testimony (additional rates may apply)

Why Outside Investigation Matters

IA investigations are among the most sensitive and legally consequential actions an agency can take. Using an independent, qualified outside investigator provides:

  • Elimination of Conflicts of Interest: No internal relationships or agency politics affecting investigation outcomes
  • Enhanced Procedural Integrity: Third-party oversight ensures compliance with all legal and procedural requirements
  • Legal Protection: Defensible findings reduce exposure to lawsuits and appeals
  • Credibility with Stakeholders: Independent investigation demonstrates commitment to transparency and fairness
  • Command-Level Expertise: Access to experienced investigators without maintaining in-house IA capacity

Confidentiality & Document Control

All documents and information gathered, copied, discovered, or produced during the investigative process remain the exclusive property of the client. Driscoll & Associates does not retain any of this information after delivering the completed investigation. All information is maintained in strict confidence throughout the investigative process and after case closure.

CCW Platform Management

Comprehensive cloud-based Concealed Carry Weapon platform that modernizes and streamlines your entire CCW application and approval process.

Guardian Alliance Technologies has developed an advanced cloud-based CCW platform that transforms how agencies manage concealed carry weapon permits. This intuitive system guides applicants and agencies through every step of the process, from initial application to final approval.

Platform Features:

  • Integrated Online Application: Direct connection to your agency's official website for seamless applicant experience
  • Complete Investigation Management: Digital workflow for background checks and investigative requirements
  • Training Coordination: Integrated firearms safety course tracking and documentation
  • Psychological Evaluation Integration: Digital management of required psychological assessments
  • Administrative Workflow: Streamlined review and approval process up to Chief of Police final decision
  • Paperless System: Complete digital document management eliminates paper files and storage concerns
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Dramatically reduces processing time and administrative burden
  • Compliance Tracking: Built-in safeguards ensure all legal requirements are met

Benefits for Your Agency:

  • Reduce administrative staff time spent on CCW management
  • Improve applicant experience with transparent, efficient process
  • Eliminate paper files and physical storage requirements
  • Ensure compliance with all state CCW requirements
  • Generate reports and track metrics easily
  • Scale efficiently as CCW applications increase

Consulting Services

Expert consulting services that leverage six decades of combined law enforcement leadership experience to address your agency's most challenging personnel and investigative needs.

Administrative Investigations

Professional administrative and personnel investigations conducted by experienced law enforcement supervisors. We handle sensitive internal matters with discretion, objectivity, and thoroughness, freeing your supervisory and management staff to focus on daily operations.

Executive-Level Background Screenings

Accelerated background screenings specifically designed for critical leadership positions including Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, City Managers, and Department Heads. These expedited investigations provide the comprehensive vetting necessary for executive-level appointments while respecting the urgency of filling leadership vacancies.

Workforce Audits

Comprehensive personnel and operational assessments to identify areas for improvement, ensure compliance, and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Strategic Consulting

Drawing from extensive command-level experience including Patrol Operations Commander, Investigations Commander, and Administrative Sergeant roles, we provide strategic consulting on:

  • Hiring process optimization
  • Background investigation program development
  • Personnel policy review and development
  • Internal investigation procedures
  • Field Training Program design and management
  • K-9 Unit program development
  • Truth verification program implementation
  • Technology platform selection and integration
  • Recruitment strategy enhancement
  • Training program development
  • Special enforcement team operations
  • Task force coordination and management

Why Choose Our Consulting Services:

  • Proven Leadership: Led by a former Lieutenant and Detective Bureau Commander with 32 years of law enforcement experience
  • Practical Solutions: Real-world recommendations based on hands-on management experience, not theoretical approaches
  • Objective Perspective: External viewpoint that identifies issues and opportunities often missed internally
  • Confidential Approach: All consulting engagements handled with complete discretion and professionalism

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to discuss how our services can support your agency's needs.

Request a Consultation