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onlinePHQ®

The Background Investigation Tool with a Meaningful Difference

onlinePHQ® is a patented method of gathering, organizing, analyzing, and reporting standardized life history information provided by applicants for public safety jobs. Developed by Michael J. Cuttler, Ph.D., a nationally-known figure in police and public safety selection, onlinePHQ provides distinct advantages over traditional instruments that collect personal history information.

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Streamlines the Background Review Process

Designed to collect comprehensive applicant life history information for subsequent review and investigation, online PHQ also identifies critical items, negative indicators, and discrepancies for follow-up by background investigators.

  • Critical Items – Items that have been directly linked, through research, to specific negative job outcomes in law enforcement.
  • Negative Indicators – Items that are linked to negative outcomes, but are not yet empirically validated.
  • Discrepancies – Comparison of current data with previously submitted information.

onlinePHQ does not replace a comprehensive background investigation. The onlinePHQ standard reports do, however, provide clarity to the background review process by identifying areas for follow-up.

Minimizes Evasive and Incomplete Answers

This sophisticated, logic-driven instrument takes advantage of unique data analysis capabilities that are not possible when using conventional questionnaires. Questions are displayed, as needed, based upon specific applicant responses, and certain responses are probed for detailed descriptions and explanations.

Increases Accuracy and Encourages Truthfulness

Because applicants respond to questions one section at a time, they cannot "cruise" the questionnaire and anticipate future questions nor can they modify critical life history information once it has been reviewed and submitted.

Identifies Discrepancies from Past Applications

A secure database houses the complex life history information collected from every onlinePHQ administered to date. This enables the comparison of an applicant’s current and previous responses to onlinePHQ questions, and generation of a Discrepancy Report which details these differences for departmental follow-up.

Predicts Specific Job Outcomes

Analyzing personal history data is an effective and valid means of evaluating the backgrounds of applicants for law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice employment. Peer-reviewed scientific research conducted by LESI® has demonstrated that negative indicators and bio-data values derived from the onlinePHQ are directly linked to specific negative job outcomes (such as failure to complete training and various disciplinary and performance problems after completing training) in law enforcement and criminal justice applicants.

Provides Cost-Efficiencies

Studies show that a thorough background investigation can require up to 40 man-hours of investigator time per applicant. Given the budgetary constraints facing every agency, it is critical that every hour of investigation be judiciously spent. onlinePHQ provides a "roadmap" that guides investigators to the areas that need further exploration, thus allowing agencies and investigators to maximize both their efficiency and accuracy.

Screens and Prioritizes Applicants without Adverse Impact

onlinePHQ findings have been shown to be directly linked to specific selection, training, and performance outcomes in law enforcement. As such, applicant pools can be quickly and accurately prioritized so applicants with the most acceptable backgrounds are processed first. In this way, valuable agency manpower is allocated toward the best candidates and investigation time is efficiently managed.

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FAQs

Who administers the questionnaire?
onlinePHQ is an internet-based electronic questionnaire. Applicants can access onlinePHQ through any personal computer (home, office, library, school, community college, store, etc.). Our experience indicates that very little direct involvement on your part is required once applicants have been designated to take the questionnaire.

When do I get the results?
Reports are generated automatically, with results available to you almost immediately for use in your pre-employment background investigation.

How can onlinePHQ help my organization?
Most background investigations start with personal history information supplied by the applicant. Usually, this information is collected in a lengthy paper-and-pencil form. OnlinePHQ collects the same information as the old style paper-and-pencil form, but the information is more accurate, complete, and organized.

In addition, when applicants fill out paper-and-pencil questionnaires, they often fail to answer important questions or leave off important information. With its electronic test administration, onlinePHQ requires that critical questions (e.g. drug use, arrests, disciplinary actions, etc.) be completed, thus preventing omissions or incomplete answers. The onlinePHQ also requires candidates to provide explanations of their admissions. These explanations are mandatory and cannot be left blank.

Once the personal history information is entered, onlinePHQ analyzes the information, extracts critical items and identifies negative indicators for investigator follow-up. Investigators also receive a comprehensive background investigator’s report which contains all personal history information. This process helps to expedite background investigations and ensures that pertinent issues are addressed prior to polygraph examination or background review.

Do I need special training to use this background investigation tool?
Training in the proper use of this questionnaire can be obtained through materials available on the administrative website. Specialized agency training and support for background investigators are available.