Intended as a guide for police administrators and other individuals responsible for investigating the background of police job applicants, this text analyzes the main elements of applicant evaluation -- mental and physical assessment, interview, and polygraphy -- and explains legal issues pertinent to the screening process. More than half the book consists of appendixes that include a table of legal cases, sample investigative forms, cover letters, a privacy waiver, and suggestions for how to ascertain various types of applicant background information and records. A 117-item bibliography is provided.