OAR 259-009-0015: Background Investigation

(1) A background investigation must be conducted by a fire service agency on each individual being considered for employment or utilization as a fire service professional to determine if applicant is of good character. (2) The background investigation must include, but is not limited to, investigation into the following: (a) Criminal history and arrests; (b) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records; (c) Drug and alcohol use; (d) Education verification; (e) Employment history; (f) Military history verification; (g) Personal and professional references. Personal and professional references may include, but are not limited to, friends, associates, family members, and neighbors; (h) Personal Interview. The personal interview may occur before or after the investigation and may be used to clarify discrepancies in the investigation; (i) Records checks, which may include, but are not limited to: (A) Police records, district attorney, court and Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) records; (B) Open sources or social media, as permitted by law; (C) Financial information, as permitted by law; and (D) Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Professional Standards records. (j) Residential history; and (k) Work eligibility. (3) Each individual being considered for employment or utilization as a fire service professional must provide a personal history statement. The statement must include, but is not limited to: (a) Verification of the background information referred to in section (2); (b) A complete list of all fire service agencies an individual has applied with; and (c) A signed release allowing background investigation information to be shared with other public or private safety agencies in which the applicant may become affiliated with. (4) Results of the background investigation on all fire service professionals must be retained by the fire service agency in accordance with the Secretary of State’s Record Retention Schedule and must be available for review at any reasonable time by the Department.