Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Agreement with Cooke & Associates, Inc. for Fire Background Investigation Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $152,410. (Fire 10032210)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Alameda Fire Department (AFD) recommends approval of a First Amendment to the existing Agreement with Cooke & Associates, Inc. to provide AFD with background investigation services, increasing the total not-to-exceed amount from $74,000 to $152,410. This Amendment is necessary to support the AFD's ongoing and anticipated hiring of sworn firefighter personnel.
As part of the firefighter recruitment process, each candidate must undergo a comprehensive background investigation in accordance with City of Alameda (City) policy. These investigations are critical to ensuring that only qualified, trustworthy individuals are selected to serve the community in high-responsibility public safety roles.
Cooke & Associates, Inc. has demonstrated the capacity and expertise to conduct these investigations thoroughly and efficiently. Their process includes the completion and review of a Personal History Statement (PHS), which gathers detailed information on the applicant's identity, education, employment, residence, military service, financial history, legal background, driving record, and moral character.
Each investigation culminates in a background narrative report that summarizes the findings and provides sufficient detail for the City to determine whether to extend an offer of employment. All supporting documentation-originals or verified true copies is compiled into a secure background file for City records.
Cooke & Associates, Inc. is a licensed private investigations firm with over 20 years of experience conducting public safety background investigations. The firm employs Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified ...
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