This really depends on the background investigator and what his/her department allows him to do for the investigation, how much time he can commit to it and if he is given time for face to face interviews.

Yes, they more than likely will contact all those that you listed, they will also contact prior employers AND co-workers.  If he is worth a grain of salt he will also ask your friends, boss, co-workers, family to give him the name of a few of your associates or friends.  All in all if it is a thorough background he may have a list of people that numbers pretty high.

[quote author=Steve_H link=board=police;num=1141002529;start=0#0 date=02/26/06 at 20:08:49]Hello all, 
Here is my question...who specifically, does a Background Investigator speaks with when conducting a BI??   I came up with this list; Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, spouse, my kids, my listed character references and my supervisors/employer....  Did I miss anyone??  Please add any person/group I might have missed.


I can speak only for my Agency and myself.  I will **start** with the references listed and ultimately end up talking to the candidate's enemy at some point.  Then I ask why they didn't get along.  I have some say that "yeah, I thought he was an sob because he stole my girlfriend but hey, he'd probably make a good cop"

I just go where things lead me and particularly check addresses that have not been listed on the application.

Steve,

Unfortunately, many agencies when dealing with out of state applicants usually go the route of mailing out letters with questionairres on them about the candidate.  I say unfortunately, because 1) this is a crappy way to do a background, it is much easier to lie and omit on paper than in person or even via a telephone call.  2) You would be amazed at how lazy your "friends" are when it comes to filling out and mailing one of these things back.  You will have to be on them constantly to complete these stupid things.   

While this may in fact be to the advantage of someone who has something to hide, budget cuts dictate what is appropriate enough for a background.  The other posters are all correct in what they have stated.  For the most part your immediate references are supposed to be the ones that talk greatly of you and then the investigator fishes for information.   

It is also important to let the investigator know about someone in your family who disapproves of your decision to be in law enforcement.  You would be amazed at how many mothers and fathers are contacted that disapproved of their son and mostly daughters decision to work in the LE field and do their best to dissuade the investigator that their child is the type of person for the job.

Also do not be afraid of hiding any type of past problems with employers.  It is best that we find out first through you than from the employer.  We have all had bosses and co-workers that we did not like or get along with.


I must emphasize that I am not nor have I ever been a background investigator, but speak merely of my experience in applying for agencies as well as  working on Oral Boards for various agencies and through that working closely with our agencies Background Investigators.