Chapter 12.24
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Sections:
12.24.010 Policy and application.
12.24.010 Policy and application.
A. It is the policy of the Northwest Arctic Borough that any village public safety officer (VPSO) or regional public safety officer (RPSO) employed by the Borough undergo an independently conducted law enforcement background check evaluating character and suitability for service as a law enforcement officer.
B. This chapter applies to any Borough employee serving as a law enforcement officer, including a VPSO, RPSO, or in any other capacity. It also applies to any employee whose primary job duties involve supervision of law enforcement officers. (Ord. 24-06 § 1, 2024)
12.24.020 Background checks.
A. It will be the policy of the Borough that any law enforcement officer employed by the Borough undergo an independently conducted law enforcement background check in which previous employers, references, and the applicant are interviewed. All background checks must include a review of an applicant’s court record, driving record, criminal history, credit report, and any other relevant information the department deems necessary.
B. Background checks will evaluate the applicant’s character and suitability for law enforcement. Background checks will also review an applicant’s employment history to determine whether the applicant has been discharged or resigned under threat of discharge from employment as a law enforcement officer of any type.
C. Background checks will evaluate conduct that would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubt about an individual’s honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others and the evenhanded application and enforcement of laws and regulations. Background checks must also evaluate conduct detrimental to the integrity of the police department. All applicants must complete and submit an Alaska Police Standards Council personal history statement for review.
D. Applicants will also be screened by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to certify that the applicant does not have a mental or emotional condition that would adversely affect performance as a law enforcement officer. The Borough should receive a report and a completed Alaska Police Standards Council Psychological Evaluation form.
E. Applicants must undergo a medical examination and submit a medical record form supplied by the Department of Public Safety, including a certification from a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant that the applicant does not have a physical or hearing condition that would adversely affect performance as a law enforcement officer.
F. Applicants must provide confirmation of normal ocular color discrimination, normal binocular coordination, normal peripheral vision, and corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better in each eye.
G. Applicants must submit to a drug test for illegal narcotics as prescribed by Borough policy.
H. To facilitate background checks, applicants must provide two sets of fingerprints for submission to the Department of Public Safety for a background clearance check for access to Criminal Justice Information Services.
I. If the Borough has a copy of a background, medical, or psychological evaluation that was completed within the previous 12 months, a new exam may not be required in the discretion of the director of public safety. (Ord. 24-06 § 1, 2024)