Post-Written Examination Screening Process

Phase II - Background Investigation (Applicant Verification & Compliance Unit)

NYS Courts Applicant Verification UnitTHE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION WILL BEGIN ONLY AFTER CANDIDATES QUALIFY ON PHYSICAL ABILITY & VISION SCREENING TESTS.

Only those candidates who successfully pass the Physical Ability Test and Vision Screening Test can move on to the next stage of the screening process -THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION.

Background investigations of court officer candidates are conducted by investigators from the Applicant Verification & Compliance Unit (AVCU). The background investigation is extensive and includes a review of a candidate’s education, employment, military service, driving and criminal records. Candidates will be assigned to an Investigator, be interviewed and should maintain contact with the assigned investigator through-out the background investigation process. Candidates will be required to authorize the release of information from former employers, the military, schools, public agencies and other appropriate sources. Additional information may be requested of the candidate or from other outside sources. Candidates are required to inform their Investigator of any changes in status and background information. Candidates who do not cooperate with their Investigator may be disqualified from appointment.

 

Phase 1: Physical Ability Test > Vision Test > Fingerprints

Phase 2: Written Psychological Tests > Background Investigation

Phase 3: Psychological Interview > Evaluation Board

Phase 4: Pre-Appointment Medical Exam > Appointment to Academy

 

 

Instructions to Candidate

  1. Candidates must download and complete ALL FORMS shown below prior to their scheduled interview with an AVCU Investigator (ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFULLY QUALIFYING ON BOTH PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST & VISION SCREENING TEST).
    1. PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE BOOKLET (UF-1)
      Complete the booklet in it’s entirety. EVERY QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED (you may indicate, “does not apply,” only when applicable). Answer every question with truthfulness and without evasion. THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN IT’S ENTIRETY BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW WITH AN ASSIGNED AVCU INVESTIGATOR. THE COMPLETED BOOKLET WILL BE REVIEWED DURING THE INTERVIEW.
    2. AUTHORIZATION FORM (UF-3)
    3. NYC DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FORM
    4. NYS DEPT OF LABOR FORM
    5. US MILITARY RECORD REQUEST
    6. PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
  2. You must obtain a Non-Certified Itemized Statement of Earnings Printout (SSA-7050) FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION before your scheduled interview.
    https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-7050.pdf
    (800) 772-1213
    • The printout must be submitted at your scheduled Background Interview.
    • The printout must cover the period from the year you left High School to present.
    • It may be obtained on the same day ONLY if requested in-person.
    • Please note if requested by mail, it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for you to receive it, resulting in a delay of your investigation.
  3. Candidates  must bring the following documents to their scheduled interviews:
    1. Birth certificate (Original and Copy)
    2. Marriage Certificate (if applicable). Certificate must be issued by a government body. (Original and Copy)
    3. Records of divorce - "Finding of Facts," Annulment of Legal Separation (if applicable). (Original and Copy)
    4. Documentary proof of any name changes such as marriage(s), adoptions, divorces decrees, etc.
    5. Naturalization Papers- Applicants not born in the United States MUST provide a certified copy of one of the following: (1) naturalization papers; (2) Department of State birth certificate; or (3) currently valid United States Passport
    6. Social Security Card(Original and Copy)
    7. High School Diploma; Equivalency Diploma and Test Scores (if applicable) (Original and Copy)
    8. College Transcript - (Original and Copy)
    9. Driver’s License(s)/ Vehicle Registration Card(s) and Drivers Lifetime Abstract(s) from ALL states (in which you are or have been licensed).
    10. Proof of Current New York State Residency –Bring two (2) or more documents which have your name, address, and date. For Example: bank or credit card statements; Con Ed, National Grid, or telephone bills, etc.
    11. DD-214 and Discharge Papers
      Applies to applicants with military service
    12. Original Certificate(s) of Disposition(s) for ALL arrests and or summonses.

Change of Personal Information

Candidates are required to inform their Investigator of any changes in status and background information. Candidates are encouraged to call their Investigator periodically for an update on their investigation and to see if any further information is required. Candidates who do not cooperate with their Investigator may be disqualified from appointment.

 

Automatic Disqualifications

Candidates with the following background history are automatically disqualified based on the Federal firearms possession prohibition laws [18 U.S.C. 922(g) and (n), 27 CFR 478.32].

  • Have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;
  • Are fugitives from justice;
  • Are unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined by section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802))
  • Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to a mental institution;
  • Have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
  • Having been a citizen of the United States, have renounced their citizenship;
  • Are subject to a court order that restrains the persons from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner; or
  • Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

The Background Investigation Report

Background reports are generated using the factual findings from the investigation and are reviewed by a psychologist and the Evaluation Board.

 

QUESTIONS

Contact the Applicant Verification & Compliance Unit at:

212-428-2777 Or AVU@NYCOURTS.GOV

Candidates should remain in contact with their assigned investigator regarding the status of their background investigations.

 

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