U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Employment Suitability Requirements
Employment suitability must be established for all prospective and current judicial personnel, contractors, interns and externs, and volunteers. Law enforcement positions, which include probation and pretrial services officer positions, require a pre-employment medical examination, drug test, background check and investigation.
Background Investigation & Medical Examination Requirements
Law enforcement positions, which include probation and pretrial services officer positions, additionally require a pre-employment medical examination, drug test, background check and investigation. After appointment, officers are subject to random drug screening, and background investigations every five years.
Background Investigation
Each probation and pretrial services office completes background investigation activities for officers and officer assistants which include but are not limited to:
- Drug Testing*
- NCIC FBI Background Check
- Standard Form (SF)-87: Fingerprinting
- Standard Form (SF)-86: Questionnaire for National Security Positions
- Financial Credit Check
*Regardless of applicable state laws, marijuana remains a prohibited substance under federal law and is included in drug testing.
Medical Examination Requirements
A pre-employment medical examination is completed by the Federal Occupational Health (FOH), Law Enforcement Medical Program (LEMP) to determine if applicants are medically qualified. Officers and officer assistants are presented with physical dangers, mental and physical stress, and require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking, standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary for officer safety, and use of self-defense tactics. Generally, the pre-employment medical examination evaluates:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Physical Health (History & Current)
- Mental Health (History & Current)
Applicants are encouraged to gather documentation regarding past injuries, diagnosis information, drug prescriptions, or prescriptions for eyeglasses to provide during the medical exam.
Provisional Appointments
At the office’s discretion, provisional appointments may occur, pending completion of a background investigation and medical examination administered by FOH.