Investigations

[trainee]

I have a current interest in Fire,Arson & Expolsive Investigations but currently have a few misdemeanors on my background.Do I still have a chance? Or is there a site to get requirement information?

Thank you

[BFDLT32]

It depends on where you live. Check with the State and see what requirements they have for this certification. Some states will allow certifications with misdemeanors on your record. It may also depend on what the charges were for.

[geoffhazard]

If you're talking about IAAI certification, they will do a check to see if you are of good "moral character" which is not a background check but requires letters from clients and employers. It typically takes several years to get CFI. I would agree it depends heavily on what the charges were.

Geoff Hazard, MS CFEI

[trainee]

"01/"02 -disorderly conduct (happened in dec. court in jan.)

A couple of failure to have insurance --expired couple days before pay day.

One of the above result to a failure to pay fine but fine is being taking care of.(2005)

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

First of all, the IAAI does not do character checks on an applicant to obtain certification. the certification is solely based on a review of the application submitted by the investigator to ensure that there are sufficient points to meet the minimum criteria. The investigator's performance on the exam is the other defining factor. There is no requirement to submit letters from clients or employers unless it is to verify sections of the application.

Secondly, there is no way to tell if a conviction for disorderly persons offenses will hurt you or not. Just make sure that during the app and hiring process you tell the truth. It would depend on the circumstances of the incident, your response to the incident, your conduct since the incident, etc.

[geoffhazard]

George,
the point I was making was that, by virtue of the fact IAAI requests letters from employers, they are effectively performing a background check of your character. Letters are required to recieve experience credit as a part time investigator; also one must include letters for other work experience for which you want to claim points. No, it is def not a check of arrests or an assimilation of data from friends or acquiantances, but presumably ones record with employers or clients and hence character, will come into play. If these recommendations are not sound, this will certainly have an effect on the review of one's application.

respectfully,

GCH

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

George,
the point I was making was that, by virtue of the fact IAAI requests letters from employers, they are effectively performing a background check of your character. Letters are required to recieve experience credit as a part time investigator; also one must include letters for other work experience for which you want to claim points. No, it is def not a check of arrests or an assimilation of data from friends or acquiantances, but presumably ones record with employers or clients and hence character, will come into play. If these recommendations are not sound, this will certainly have an effect on the review of one's application.

respectfully,

GCH

It is in no way, shape of form a background check. If a person submits a letter, it is solely to verify the dates of employment-that's it. There is no place in the CFI application process where any character check is conducted at all-"presumably" or otherwise. An employer does not give a "recommendation" either.

Please stop spreading misinformation about this process. The IAAI takes great pride in this program and cares deeply about its integrity. This program is recognized by the Pro Qual Board because of the process in place. If you have any questions about this program, they are all answered at www.firearson.com.

[Truckie408]

Geez George, almost sounds like someone running for IAAI board of directors! LOL

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Geez George, almost sounds like someone running for IAAI board of directors! LOL

"Could be, rabbit. Caould be".