With 28 years of experience as a police background investigator, Ken Roybal brings unmatched insight, clarity, and steadiness to every consultation. As a retired LAPD background investigator, he knows exactly what agencies look for — and how to help you present your best, most accurate self with confidence and integrity.

Ken Roybal began his career as an LAPD officer in April 1980. From 1997 to 2001 he was assigned as an LAPD Background Investigator at the Administrative Investigation Division. Ken retired from the LAPD in May 2003.

In July 2006, Ken returned to the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department-Background Investigation Division to conduct LAPD background investigations. He spent the next 12 years there. Ken was recognized as one of the most senior investigators having conducted approximately 1400 background investigations in 16 years. He has been certified twice by CA POST and was recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in LAPD background investigations. In 2017, Ken was called upon by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office to testify during a federal civil rights trial as an expert witness in LAPD background investigations.

Ken opened PoliceBackground.Net in 2006 as a website to assist police candidates seeking answers on the LAPD hiring process. The site has helped hundreds of candidates get the answers they needed to navigate the arduous background investigation. The site has been go-to place for anyone seeking answers on police backgrounds.

In 2018, Ken retired from the City of Los Angeles after 35 years of service. In 2024, the new Policebackground.net was then opened with more services including one-on-one counseling with background investigators.

This website provides the most in-depth consulting services with investigators who have decades of experience with one of the largest background units in the country.

"You wouldn't be here if you were gonna quit"

Ken's New Book Is Available Now!

The Police Background Investigation: Inside the Mind of a Background Investigator

Step into the fascinating world of police background investigations with Ken Roybal, a seasoned subject matter expert with 28 years of experience. Since 1997, Ken has meticulously conducted entry-level police applicant background investigations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to his work. Ken's expertise is unparalleled.

In this comprehensive eBook, Ken takes you behind the scenes of the intricate background investigation process. Written for both candidates and investigators, this book offers an insider's perspective, shedding light on the meticulous work that goes into ensuring the integrity and safety of police forces. 26 chapters and 158 pages of knowledge covering everything a candidate or background investigator needs to know about backgrounds.

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The Police Applicant Podcast gives applicants an inside look at the hiring process — what works, what doesn’t, and how real candidates overcame setbacks to get hired.

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Decision Guide

Angela G.

Sergeant — LAPD

“Ken completed my LAPD background investigation in 2007 and became a great support once I started the job. He stayed in touch through the academy and throughout the last 12 years. Ken is an amazing resource and a knowledgeable professional who goes the extra mile.”

Stephanie NL

Sergeant — BHPD

“Ken is the guru on the police backgrounds process. He’s responsive, helpful, and incredibly supportive of police applicants. If you ever wished you had a knowledgeable family member on the job to guide you, Ken is your guy.”

Chris G.

Sergeant — LAPD

“Ken makes you feel like he genuinely cares. He guided me through the process, answered every question, and helped me understand issues that came up. With Ken’s help, my background experience was far better than I anticipated. He is meticulous and professional — exactly what every applicant should want in a background investigator.”

Just a few

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