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Q. When does OPS conduct a Background Investigation?
A. OPS performs pre-employment background checks on applicants and new employees for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of the Comptroller. Background investigations are also conducted on current employees who are being considered for promotion or transfer into higher liability positions where a background investigation was not previously performed commensurate with security/liability level of the new position.
Q. Does that include fingerprints?
A. In most cases, yes. We use a laser operated inkless Fingerprint System to screen new employees depending on the sensitivity level of the position.
Q. Who do I call to schedule fingerprints?
A. You can call the Background Technician at (407) 836-0014 to schedule the appointment.
Q. When and where are fingerprints taken?
A. On Tuesday and Thursday at the OPS office between the hours of 2 - 4 pm.
Q. When are the fingerprints results received?
A. In most cases, OPS receives the results the same day from the FBI/Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Q. Is a polygraph or psychological part of the background screening?
A. Yes, in some cases, positions with a higher level of risk or potential liability may require a polygraph and/or a psychological screening or be requested by the hiring authority.
Q. Does OPS determine if an applicant or employee has successfully passed the background investigation?
A. No. OPS conducts the background investigation at the request of the HR Coordinator/hiring authority. The results and/or findings are documented in a report format entitled “Background Investigation Report” and distributed to the appropriate HR Coordinator who informs the hiring authority. The hiring authority makes the final decision.
Q. What is the procedure if I am an applicant and I would like to review my background file?
A. An appointment can be made with a representative of the OPS Background Unit to review your file. Call 407/836-0014 to schedule an appointment.
Q. What if I do not pass the background screening, can I contest the findings or review the information OPS provided to the hiring authority?
A. Decisions to hire or not hire are made by the individual department/division – not OPS. An appointment can be made with a representative of the OPS Background Unit to review your file. Call (407) 836-0014 to schedule an appointment.
Q. What is the biggest mistake applicants make regarding background screening?
A. Overstating educational accomplishments, falsification of information on their application or supplemental documents. Applicants are required and encouraged to be completely honest in completing these forms. Oftentimes, applicants fail to get hired due to not being honest on the application and would have otherwise been hired. 100% honesty is the way to go.
Q. How do I request a background check? (For Hiring Authorities/ HR Coordinators)
A. The Hiring Authority or HR Coordinator forwards OPS a package containing the background cover sheet check list and related documents. A request must include a signed Orange County Government Employment Application, a notarized Release of Information Waiver, a Fair Credit Reporting Act Release and other documents signed or completed by the applicant and deemed necessary to perform a thorough pre-employment background investigation.
Q. Who do I call to schedule a polygraph appointment?
A. Call Steinbarger and Associates at (407) 306-7736.
Q. Who do I call to cancel a polygraph appointment?
A. Call Steinbarger and Associates at (407) 306-7736. Cancellations must be done within 24-hours prior to the scheduled time to avoid a no-show fee.
Q. Who do I call to schedule fingerprints?
A. Call the Background Technician at (407) 836-0014 to schedule the appointment.
Q. When and where are fingerprints taken?
A. Fingerprints are taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 pm and 4 pm at the OPS office. Fingerprints are taken on most positions determined to be of a sensitive nature, considered high risk or potentially high liability.
Q. When are the fingerprints results received?
A. Normally, OPS receives the results the same day from the FBI/Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Q. I reviewed a Background Investigative Report and have some questions, whom do I call?
A. Call the OPS Manager at (407) 836-0007.
Q. I requested a background investigation and would like an update, who do I talk to?
A. Call the Background Technician at (407) 836-0014 if you do not know who is handling the background investigation. If you know the name of the investigator handling the case, please call the investigator directly. |
County Administration 
