10 Steps to Streamline Law Enforcement Background Investigations

Slow background checks can cost you top candidates. Follow these 10 steps to simplify the process, reduce admin work, and speed up hiring.

February 11, 2025

Thorough background investigations are essential to hire the best law enforcement candidates. However, traditional processes are often slow, paperwork-heavy, and inefficient—delaying hiring and risking the loss of top talent.

This checklist provides ten steps to streamline background investigations, reduce administrative burdens, and improve efficiency, helping your agency hire faster while staying compliant.

1. Simplify Application Submissions

Use user-friendly forms that seamlessly carry applicant data through each stage of the hiring process.

2. Automate Social Media and Credit Checks

Eliminate manual entry with automated screening tools.

3. Secure Data Management

Ensure applicant data is encrypted and easy to access.

4. Flag Gaps in Employment

Use tools to automatically identify and verify potential discrepancies.

5. Track All Investigations in One Place 

Ensure that all data—past and present—is consolidated in a central dashboard.

6. Use Real-Time Updates

Keep stakeholders and applicants informed throughout the process with real-time communication tools.

7. Ensure Consistency in Hiring Decisions

Create structured workflows and review criteria to maintain fairness and compliance.

8. Collaborate Across Teams Securely

Enable shared access while maintaining strict permissions for sensitive data.

9. Monitor Hiring Progress in Real Time

Gain instant insights into hiring trends, investigation bottlenecks, and disqualifying factors.

10. Measure and Optimize

Use performance data to identify inefficiencies and continuously enhance your processes. 

By following these 10 steps, your agency can improve background investigations and reduce risk. Vetted from PowerDMS helps simplify the process by consolidating data, eliminating manual tasks, and providing real-time visibility to keep investigations on track.

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