If you’re preparing for a career in law enforcement, one of the most important steps in the police hiring process is the background investigation. This stage can feel overwhelming for many applicants, but if you understand what investigators are looking for, and how to prepare, you can set yourself up for success.

As the founder of BecomeACop.org, I’ve officially launched a mission-driven platform dedicated to helping candidates become police officers and helping agencies recruit qualified, well-prepared applicants. Every day, I work with aspiring officers and departments across the country to demystify the hiring process and prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to pass your police background check with confidence.

Why the Police Background Check Matters

The police background check is more than paperwork, it's the backbone of the police hiring process. Agencies are responsible for public safety and public trust, which means they need to ensure every new officer has the integrity, judgment, and reliability required for the job.

A thorough background investigation helps agencies evaluate:

• Your personal and professional history

• Whether your behavior shows responsibility and stability

• Your honesty and ability to accept accountability

• Whether you’re a good fit for a high-stress, high-visibility career

Departments aren’t looking for perfect people, they’re looking for people who are truthful, consistent, and capable of owning their past.

What Investigators Review During a Police Background Check

If you’re wondering what shows up on a police background check? or what do police look for when hiring? here’s what to expect. Investigators typically examine the following areas:

1. Criminal History

Any arrests, charges, or convictions will be reviewed. A single minor mistake is not always disqualifying... dishonesty is.

2. Driving Record

Your driving history offers insight into your judgment and responsibility. DUIs, suspensions, and repeated violations may raise concerns.

3. Credit & Financial History

Agencies review financial records to assess responsibility. Poor credit alone isn’t a deal-breaker; ignoring debt or failing to pay obligations is.

4. Employment History

Expect investigators to contact past employers, supervisors, and coworkers to verify reliability, performance, and conduct.

5. Social Media Audit

Departments review your online presence. Inappropriate content, hateful posts, or unprofessional behavior are common red flags.

6. References & Personal Contacts

Investigators speak with friends, neighbors, partners, and sometimes ex-partners to understand your character and lifestyle.

7. Drug Use History

Policies vary, but departments expect full transparency about past drug use. Lying about it is far more damaging than admitting it.

Common Disqualifiers in a Police Background Check

While every agency has its own standards, the following issues commonly disqualify candidates:

Dishonesty

This is the #1 reason candidates fail. Investigators can overlook past mistakes—but they cannot overlook lying.

Recent criminal activity or repeated offenses

A pattern of poor decision-making is more concerning than a single mistake.

Poor work history

Unreliability, disciplinary actions, or terminations without accountability may be disqualifying.

Financial irresponsibility

Debt isn’t the issue, ignoring your financial obligations is.

Problematic social media

Offensive posts, unprofessional behavior, or anything inconsistent with the values of the profession.

Knowing these ahead of time can help you proactively address potential concerns.

How to Prepare for Your Police Background Investigation

If you want to stand out in the police hiring process, preparation is key. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready:

1. Be 100% Honest

Even uncomfortable truths are better than discovering inconsistencies later.

2. Gather Your Documents Early

You will need:

• Employment history

• Previous addresses

• Financial records

• Driving records

• Educational transcripts

The more organized you are, the smoother the process will be.

3. Clean Up Your Social Media

Delete or hide anything unprofessional, negative, or controversial.

4. Notify Your References

Reach out to the people investigators will contact so they’re prepared.

5. Stay Consistent

Everything from your application to your interviews to your references should align.

6. Own Your Past

Explain mistakes, show growth, and demonstrate responsibility.

BecomeACop.org: Preparing Candidates and Supporting Agencies Nationwide

With the official launch of BecomeACop.org, candidates now have a dedicated resource to guide them through every step of becoming a police officer. including the background check, polygraph, oral boards, academy preparation, and more.

My mission is simple:

Helping candidates become law enforcement officers

I provide training, resources, coaching, and guidance to ensure they understand the hiring process and present themselves as strong, prepared applicants.

Helping police agencies recruit high-quality candidates

I work directly with departments to help them attract, engage, and hire applicants who are motivated, professional, and ready to serve.

Whether you’re an aspiring officer or an agency looking to improve your recruitment strategy, BecomeACop.org is here to help.

Final Thoughts: You Can Pass Your Police Background Check

The police background check is thorough, but it’s also fair. Most applicants who prepare, tell the truth, and take ownership of their past make it through successfully.

If becoming an officer is your goal, start now. Prepare your documents, clean up your online presence, and commit to complete honesty throughout the process.

Check out my video on the background investigation process here: https://youtu.be/Z8Bu5njdz84

And if you want more help navigating the hiring journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let's start the most exciting journey of your life!

Stay safe!

Colin