PHS Version Descriptions

PHS Version Descriptions

POBITS includes two versions of the Personal History Questionnaire: Classic and Modern. The classic version is the version first built into the system based on the California Peace Officer Standards and Training guidelines and manual for conducting background investigations. This version has served and continues to serve background investigators across the many states. In 2023, the Modern version was developed based on the State of Oregon standard questionnaire.
A key impetus for developing the Modern questionnaire was to provide account holders with the ability to customize all individual questions to meet the needs of their state or jurisdiction. While the questionnaires are different in the overall questions, both provide a good method of assessing a candidate's suitability for a career in law enforcement or public safety.
Having developed the Modern questionnaire, we think that most, if not all organizations should adopt it for all investigations because it is also streamlined for better usability for candidates and investigators.
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