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Serving Clients Nationwide

Background Investigations Designed for Public Service By People Who Lived It

Nationally trusted background investigations for police, firefighters, and EMS hiring. Thorough, compliant, investigator-led screening backed by real field experience.

Trusted by departments and agencies nationwide since 2000.

Background Investigation Services

Fire departments, police departments, and other public service organizations trust CLS for thorough, FCRA-compliant pre-employment screening.

Firefighter / EMT
Background Investigations

Thorough, compliant pre-employment screening for firefighter and EMS candidates. These investigations help departments make informed hiring decisions with clear reporting and dependable investigator support.

Police / Law Enforcement
Background Investigations

Comprehensive, investigator-led background investigations for police & law enforcement candidates. More involved and designed to help agencies making high-trust public safety hiring decisions.

Police Investigations go deeper

Law enforcement hiring requires additional due diligence. Our police investigations include a robust second phase with expanded interviews, record checks, and mandated elements to ensure the highest standards of integrity.

Extended Interviews
Neighbors, associates, and more.

Additional Record Checks
Civil, financial, and other relevant records.

Mandated Elements
Meets POST and local agency requirements.

Additional Screening & Verification Services

CLS offers a full range of supporting searches, verifications, and compliance-related services for public safety agencies, Employers / HR Teams, Landlords / Property Mangers, and Nonprofits / Volunteer Organizations.

Database & Record Searches

  • National Database Search
  • County Criminal Search
  • County Civil Records
  • National Registry Check
  • Sex Offender Registries
  • Bankruptcy Records
  • Terrorist Watch Lists

Identity & Credentials 

  • Identity Development
  • Employment Verificaiton
  • Professional License Verification
  • Education Verification
  • Personal References
  • Driving Record History

Risk, Health & Specialty

  • Credit Reports
  • Drug Screening
  • Workers Compensation Filing Reports
  • Healthcare Sanctions Report
  • Electronic I-9 / E-Verify

Compliance Support

  • Volunteer Screening
  • Compliance Support

Why Departments Choose CLS

CLS Background Investigations has been a trusted name in background screening since 2000. Founded by Dan and Carol Skoczylas, CLS was built with deep roots in law enforcement and federal investigation that no database-only service can match.

FCRA-Compliant

We follow all federal and state regulations to protect your agency.

Secure Report Delivery

Reports delivered securely via your agency's RMS or our encrypted portal.

Nationwide Service

Investigators nationwide with local knowledge and fast communication.

Trusted by Public Safety Agencies Nationwide

A Proven Investigative Process

1

Request Submitted

You submit a request with candidate and position details.

2

Investigation Launched

We gather records, conduct interviews, and verify key information.

3

Findings Reviewed

Our investigators analyze all findings and compile a comprehensive report.

4

Secure Report Delivered

Reports are delivered securely through your RMS or encrypted portal.

What Departments Say About CLS

Jerry H (Realtor)

"Talk about a rapid response! I think your team returned the credit report within 15 minutes of receiving the request INCLUDING the time we spent on the phone. Very impressive!"

Bob Tucker

"CLS has been a great resource for the Give Something Back Foundation for over five years. CLS conducts background checks on our mentors who will be guiding/ mentoring high school students in our program. CLS is priced very reasonable and the turn around on the background checks is usuall 1-2 days. We appreciate our partnership with CLS Background Investigations."

Donna Johnson

"CLS has provided background checks for us for many years. They are experts in their field, they are very dedicated as well as reliable and pay much attention to detail. They have provided unparalleled customer service and are also great problem solvers. We could not have hired thousands of reliable field reps without CLS’s support. They have spent many weekends and after hours working with us on many last minute requests. Their commitment and expertise in their field is outstanding."

Diane Seiler (Zigrossi)

"I have had the opportunity and privilege of knowing and working with CLS/ Makton Investigations for several years as well as recommending their services to my client base. Their knowledge and expertise in the areas of background investigations and law enforcement are a valuable asset to any company who requires that next level of security in their hiring practices. I would strongly recommend their services."

Becky O’Neill

"Dan Skoczylas, of CLS Background Investigations, is probably one of the most dedicated, hardworking and honest individuals I know. His integrity is in a league of its own. I am a real estate agent and met Dan in 2005. I have utilized CLS services a few times to perform background investigations on potential tenants that will be placed into my rental properties. I was thoroughly impressed with his attention to detail and his care to make sure my client was protected. I have the highest amount of respect for Dan and CLS Background Investigations and I would refer CLS to anyone time and time again."

Tom G. (Realtor)

"Congratulations are in order for CLS/ Makton President Carol Skoczylas. Carol was recognized by the Business Ledger at their Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards presentation in the category of “Innovation”.I want to offer to serve as a reference if you ever have a potential client who may want to talk to a current client of yours. It would be a privilege and pleasure to share my experiences with your outstanding service and responsiveness."

Ross C.

"I really like CLS-from the interface, to the outstanding level of service you have personally provided time and time again."

Dave O’Connor

"CLS Enterprises/ Makton Investigations are the best. I have had occasions in which I required the assistance of a private investigation firm to perform a variety of investigative functions on behalf of clients. The agents at Makton were always receptive, professional, and thorough with all aspects of their assignment. There are many investigation firms available. CLS/ Makton far exceeds those firms in their skills and commitment to doing the job and doing it right."

Renee S.

"Awesome…..very user friendly system…thanks so much!!!"

Ranae Damaschke, Shadow Lakes II Association

"I would just like to say that I have used CLS Background Investigations for 2 years now. I have found them to be very easy to work with, very thorough and have actually provided details that made my company change their minds on some hires. I will be using them over and over again."

Bob T.

"Thank you for embracing the “Service After the Sale” motto. A big thank you is in order-keep up the good work!"

William Doherty

"Prior to utilizing CLS, the Roberts Park Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners conducted background checks for new employees. The process was time consuming and lacked consistency. CLS gives the fire district a consistent, thorough and professional pre-employment screening that is conducted according to current laws. We are extremely pleased with the service provided by CLS."

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why Choose CLS?

Many background check providers rely entirely on automated database searches. At CLS, we believe that technology is a tool — not a substitute for experience. Our team personally reviews every report, applies decades of investigative judgment, and remains available to explain findings and guide clients through compliance requirements.

What sets us apart:
✔ Over 25 years serving public safety agencies, employers, landlords, and nonprofits
✔ Founded by a retired 24-year police Lieutenant and a former federal agent
✔ U.S. Department of State high-level security clearance investigation experience
✔ Personal, attentive service — you always speak with an experienced professional
✔ Fully FCRA-compliant reports with fast turnaround times
✔ Nationwide service with local expertise

Are you FCRA compliant?

Always. If you are unfamiliar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and how it affects your agency’s background
screening program, you are not alone. We will help you understand what compliance looks like and how to
achieve and maintain it.

Will we have a dedicated point of contact for questions or concerns?

No AI, no robocalls — ever. In many cases, we will proactively reach out to you with updates or to gather
input. You will know everyone you speak with on a personal level. Our customer service is nothing short of
outstanding.

Process and Reporting

How do I submit a background request and receive completed reports?

Due to the number of steps involved on the backend, we ask that you submit all requests via email so we can initiate the file on your behalf. Each case is entered into the CLS RMS, where it is processed and then delivered to you through a secured login to our encrypted system.

You will be notified by email when the report is complete, but you may log in at any time to monitor progress.

If a candidate drops out mid-investigation, are we still charged?

Unfortunately, yes. We begin investigations immediately upon receipt, and once the process is initiated in the RMS, charges are applied to the file.

In some cases, we may be able to reduce the cost if you notify us immediately upon learning that the candidate is withdrawing — we can then stop any further progression of the investigation.

Billing and Accounts

Are there setup fees or monthly minimums?

Not for our police and fire agency accounts. We are as dedicated to you as you are to the communities you
serve — those fees are waived.

How does billing work?

Invoices are generated on the first of each month for all investigations completed the prior month, with
payment due on a net-30 basis. Charges are applied to a file as each component is completed.

If a case spans the end of one month and the beginning of the next, charges for that investigation may appear
across two separate invoices.

Ready to strengthen your hiring process?

Whether you're hiring police officers or building your fire/EMS team, or just need the best background investigation services you can get, CLS delivers thorough, compliant background investigations you can trust. Contact us today to discuss your needs.