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
Request Submitted
You submit a request with candidate and position details.
Investigation Launched
We gather records, conduct interviews, and verify key information.
Findings Reviewed
Our investigators analyze all findings and compile a comprehensive report.
Secure Report Delivered
Reports are delivered securely through your RMS or encrypted portal.
What Departments Say About 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.































