CANDIDATES’ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1.   How long will the investigation process take?

The processing time varies for each candidate based on their case file. Candidates can anticipate that it will take up to a month to complete the report; however, some background checks may take longer as things come up during the information gathering phase that could not have been foreseen. Your case manager is working diligently to complete your report as efficiently as possible, therefore maintain open communication and returning all necessary documents and information in a timely manner will speed up the process.

 

2.   When will I know if I made the final cut?

 

KENTECH has no knowledge of the hiring process outside of the background investigation. Please contact CPD at 312-745-5230 for any inquiries about hiring.

 

3.   I have taken the polygraph, psychological exam, or power test. Why am I taking a background test?

The position of Chicago Police Officer requires high security, responsibility, and public trust; therefore, the Chicago Police Department conducts in-depth background investigations on each candidate to verify their qualifications. The Chicago Police Department is also looking for candidates who reflect the department’s core values of professionalism, obligation, leadership, integrity, courage, and excellence. All information given during the background check should be factual to best of the candidate’s ability. 

 

4.   Some of my personal information has changed (e.g. moved, new employment, divorce, etc.) since applying for CPD what should I do?

Call your case manager and provide the updated information. Also, let your investigator know during your home interview.

 

5.   I do not know my neighbors very well or do not know their contact information. What should I do?

We understand that in big cities or rural areas it may not always be convenient to obtain information from your neighbors. However, the Chicago Police Department requires contact information for at least 3 current neighbors. Furthermore, if you have lived at your current address for less than one year, we require contact information for at least 2 previous neighbors. KENTECH cannot process your background check without this information.  Tip: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and let them know you are applying to be a police officer.

 

6.   What do I need in order to be prepared for my home interview?

A field investigator will call you to go over all required information for your specific case. Also, have your required documents ready and organized for the home interview.

 

7.   What are the required documents?

Please reference the Forms Tab above for a complete list of required documents.

 

8.   How long will the home interview take?

Each home interview varies in duration depending on the complexity of the case. You should expect it to take anywhere between two to three hours. In order to speed up this process please have all required documents ready.

 

9.   I don’t have a FOID card, what should I do?

Apply for one here: http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/foidapp.cfm. Notify your case manager of the date on which you applied. Save your receipt. If you have received a notice informing you of when you can expect the card, give that estimated date to your case manager as well. If you are an out of state candidate you will not be able to apply for one.

 

10.   I will be out of town for part or all of the background investigation. Can I still complete the background check?

Yes. Notify us in advance of when you will be out of town so that we can schedule your personal interview around this. As long as you are available by phone and notify your case manager that you will be out of town, we can work with you during this time to complete the background check.

 

11.   When will I know when the background investigation is completed and forwarded to the CPD?

KENTECH Consulting, Inc. will send you a confirmation e-mail when your background check is complete.

 

12.   Do you need my original birth certificate or can I provide a copy?

Per CPD policy, an original birth certificate or a certified copy are required. You may contact the Cook County Clerk’s Office for a certified copy. If you are an out of state candidate, contact your local clerk’s office. You can also receive a certified copy of your birth certificate using the following website, https://www.vitalchek.com/

 

13.   My birth certificate is not from The United States, but I have a certificate of naturalization.

Provide a certified copy of your certificate of naturalization (notarized) and a certified copy of your birth certificate.

 

14.   How far back should I go in my employment history?

Only list employment for the past 5 years unless there was a termination, then go beyond this time period. Part-time and contract work must be included. Employment that went out of business must be be listed. Military deployment/employment must be included as well.

 

15.   How can I request that my current employer is not contacted?

Should you prefer that KENTECH Consulting, Inc. does not contact this employer, you may check the box indicating this in your quickapp application. This is the only employer for which this option is available. All other past employers will be contacted.

 

16.   What can I do to speed up my background check?

In order to speed up your background check you must bring the H.E.A.T

• Be HONEST  - Departments are not looking for the perfect candidate but an honest candidate. Therefore, it is imperative that you are forthright and truthful in your disclosure during home interview.  Anything short of this will be an automatic disqualification.

•  Be EASILY ACCESSIBLE – Time is of the essence. You must be available for your home interview at the earliest date possible requested by your investigator. There are no exceptions. Failure to cooperate with the timely processing of your background investigation may result in the discontinuance of your candidacy.

•  Be ALERT - You may receive additional requests from your case manager or field investigator. Stay alert by phone and email correspondences. Their goal is to rapidly but thoroughly get you to the next hiring phase.

•  Be THOROUGH - In all your correspondence and responses, be detailed.  Do not leave out important facts or information that may lead to misinterpretations.

 

17.   What if I no longer want to continue with the application process?

Notify KENTECH Consulting, Inc. (Case Manager) as soon you have made this  decision. A withdrawal form will be e-mailed to you. You Must sign this Withdrawal form and return it to KENTECH case manager in order to officially withdraw. The Chicago Police Department requires this be completed in order to remove your name from the eligibility list. Withdrawal forms can also be found under forms at cpd.ekentech.com

18.   I have been disqualified by CPD what do I do? 

         Notify your Case Manager and investigator as soon as you receive an email or call from CPD. We will verify this        information with CPD and either notify you of background check cancellation or notify you that you are still in the process.