MCOLES Official Correspondence: Updated Personal History Statement and Affidavit

March 14, 2024

The Commission has updated the Personal History Statement and Affidavit (PHSA). The purpose of updating the PHSA is to give the Commission, agencies, and academies a better ability to verify information and to get a more complete picture of those seeking licensure in the law enforcement profession. Additionally, the updated PHSA provides a solid foundation for conducting a comprehensive background investigation as required under Public Act 203 of 1965 and Michigan Administrative Code R 28.14101 et seq. 

The completion of the updated PHSA is now required for all those entering and re-entering the law enforcement profession in Michigan and seeking activation or reactivation of a law enforcement license. This includes but may not be limited to the following circumstances:  

• All recruits seeking admittance to a basic law enforcement training academy (including pre-service, preservice college, and employed recruits).
• All those seeking admittance to the Recognition of Prior Basic Training and Experience (RPTE) program (including former Michigan officers and out-of-state officers).
• All those seeking initial law enforcement licensing (including all academy and RPTE graduates).
• All those seeking reactivation of their law enforcement license (including all officers leaving one agency and moving to another).
  
  As a reminder, the Commission has a statutory responsibility to ensure those entering the law enforcement profession possess good moral character. Michigan Administrative Code (Rule 28.14203(e)) requires persons selected to become a law enforcement officer: 
  
  “Possess good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, home environment, and personal traits and integrity. Consideration will be given to a history of, and circumstances pertaining to, having been a respondent to a restraining or personal protection order. Consideration shall also be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions as indicating a lack of good moral character.”  
  
  To comply with this administrative code and Michigan law, agencies are required to conduct thorough and comprehensive background investigation of those who seek to be licensed as fully empowered law enforcement officers.
  
  The Commission understands and appreciates that many agencies already have well-developed personal history questionaries. However, we respectfully request agencies utilize the Commission’s PHSA as the initial step to screen individuals to the State of Michigan standards. Once this form is completed, we recommend agencies add their own supplemental sections for additional questions to determine compliance with your agency’s standards and job fit. This will ensure consistency for all applicants regardless of how they are seeking licensure while also providing every agency with the additional information they may need. 
  
  An example of an agency specific supplemental question might be one that addresses the use of controlled substances. The State of Michigan standard for drug use requires law enforcement candidates test negative for the presence of a controlled substance. However, an agency standard might prohibit the use of a controlled substance within the last five years.
  
  A comprehensive background investigation is perhaps the most important component of the hiring process. They benefit agencies by ensuring applicants meet state and agency standards and assist in determining job fit for the organization and the communities they serve. Best practices for background investigations ensure organizations comply with law enforcement licensing standards and that their process is consistent with fair employment practices.
  
  For any questions or concerns, please contact Danny Rosa at rosad@michigan.gov or 517-388-7516.
  
  We appreciate your support and cooperation.