Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) Hiring agency
background checks must include the following records and information for new
applicants:
(a) Criminal history;
(b) National decertification indices or data
banks;
(c) Commission records
including employment history and certification status;
(d) All disciplinary records by any previous
law enforcement or correctional employer, including complaints or
investigations of misconduct, to include the outcome of any investigation
regardless of the result, and the reason for separation from employment.
Previous law enforcement or corrections employers must provide this
information, including the reason for separation from employment with the
agency, within 30 days of receiving a written request from the agency
conducting the background check;
(e) Verification from the local prosecuting
authority in any jurisdiction in which the applicant has served as to whether
the applicant is on any impeachment disclosure lists;
(f) Inquiry into whether the applicant has
any past or present affiliations with extremist organizations, as defined in
commission policy;
(g) A review of
the applicant's social media accounts;
(h) Verification of citizenship status as
either a citizen of the Unites States of America or a lawful permanent
resident;
(i) A psychological
examination and recommendation administered by a qualified professional
pursuant to chapter 18.71 or 18.83 RCW, in compliance with standards
established in commission policy per WAC
139-07-030;
(j) A polygraph or equivalent assessment
administered by a qualified professional with appropriate training and in
compliance with standards established in commission policy per WAC
139-07-040; and
(k) Any basis for disqualification listed
under RCW
43.101.105(2) or
(3).
(2) An applicant, including new hires and
in-state laterals, may be offered employment by more than one agency. The
background results may be shared with more than one agency under the following
circumstances:
(a) The hiring agency which
initiated the background investigation agreed to share the results of the
investigation in full with another hiring agency;
(b) The applicant signed a release permitting
another hiring agency to have the report;
(c) The background investigation was
completed within six months of the request to share records; and
(d) The job analyses of both agencies are
substantially similar.
(3) Prior to a potential officer's
registration into an academy, the hiring agency shall certify to the commission
that the agency has completed the background check, no information has been
found that would disqualify the applicant from certification, and the applicant
is suitable for employment as an officer.
(4) Backgrounds, older than six months, of an
officer shall be considered invalid for the purpose of
RCW
43.101.080(15) and
43.101.095(2).
Statutory Authority:
RCW
43.101.080. 13-02-060, §
139-07-020, filed 12/27/12,
effective 1/27/13; 10-07-037, §
139-07-020, filed 3/10/10,
effective 4/10/10.
