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International Association Of Fire Chiefs Membership Survey Results “Background Checks” Career – Combination – Volunteer Departments Distributed December 13, 2001  IAFC Membership Survey Results “Background Checks” Executive Summary A survey was conducted in December 2001 of the membership of the International Association of Fire Chiefs to determine the level and type of background checks that each department performed for new applicants. The purpose of the survey was to assess the current status of personnel evaluation processes in use among fire/rescue departments across the U.S. and Canada. With current new issues of homeland security at the forefront of the world’s consciousness, additional and potentially troubling issues have recently arisen regarding how departments determine exactly who they select to provide first responder services in their local communities. A total of 7,200 emails were sent to IAFC members who represent all three department formats: Career, Combination and Volunteer. A total of 736 responses were tallied, which represents a 10.2% return rate, nearly 5 times the national average for unsolicited surveys. Key Findings The results of the survey, which are included in raw form in the attached documents, have been analyzed and summarized into the following major findings: Nearly every responding department used some form of applicant background check - 100% of career departments - 90% of volunteer departments 70% of all respondents also had a check system for current personnel as well Most departments conducted the same kinds of background checks, regardless of department type However, in every category of check, career departments performed higher numbers of checks than either combination or volunteer with one exception: medical/physical checks Although no questions were specifically asked about arson background checks, more combination and volunteer departments reported conducting such checks tha