If you’ve been asked to provide a reference letter for police verification, it’s important to understand what this means and how to write an effective letter. Essentially, a reference letter for police verification is a document that vouches for the character and integrity of an individual who is undergoing a background check by law enforcement. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to write a strong reference letter, as well as examples that you can use as a starting point and edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter For Police Verification
When writing a reference letter for police verification, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use a Formal Tone
Since this is an official document that will be reviewed by law enforcement, it’s important to use a formal tone in your letter. However, you can still make it personal by adding anecdotes or specific examples of the individual’s character traits or accomplishments.
2. Be Specific
The more specific you can be in your reference letter, the better. Provide examples of the individual’s positive qualities, such as their honesty, responsibility, or work ethic. If you have specific knowledge of the individual’s involvement in your community or workplace, provide that information as well.
3. Include Your Contact Information
Make sure to include your name, title, and contact information (phone number and email) in the letter, in case the police need to follow up with you.
4. Use a Standard Business Letter Format
Your reference letter should follow a standard business letter format, including a header with your name and address, the date, the recipient’s name and address, a greeting, a body, and a complimentary close.
5. Proofread Carefully
Before sending your reference letter, proofread it carefully to ensure that there are no errors or typos. This will help to ensure that your letter is taken seriously and has the intended impact.
Examples of Reference Letters For Police Verification
Employment Verification
Dear Officer,
I am writing to verify the employment of John Smith, who has worked as a sales associate at ABC Company for the past two years. During his time here, John has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, honesty, and dedication to his work.
John is known for his excellent customer service skills, and he always goes above and beyond to ensure that our customers are satisfied with their purchases. He is also a reliable employee who shows up on time and completes his tasks efficiently.
I would highly recommend John for any position that requires a responsible and trustworthy individual. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Manager, ABC Company
Character Reference
Dear Officer,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Jane Smith, who I have known for the past five years. Jane is one of the most honest, caring, and hardworking individuals I have ever met, and I am honored to call her my friend.
Jane is deeply committed to her community, and she volunteers regularly at a local homeless shelter. She is also a devoted mother to her two children, who she is raising with love and compassion. Jane has faced many challenges in her life, but she has always shown incredible strength and resilience.
I have no doubt that Jane will be an asset to any organization that she is affiliated with. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Landlord Reference
Dear Officer,
I am writing to provide a reference for John Doe, who was a tenant in one of my rental properties for the past three years. During this time, John was an excellent tenant who always paid his rent on time and took good care of the property.
John was a quiet and respectful neighbor who never caused any problems. He was always willing to help out with maintenance tasks or other issues that arose, and he was a pleasure to work with.
I would highly recommend John as a tenant or employee to anyone who is considering him. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Landlord
Community Leader Reference
Dear Officer,
I am writing to provide a reference for Sarah Jones, who has been an active member of our community for many years. Sarah is known for her tireless dedication to promoting social justice and equality, and she has made a significant impact in our community through her advocacy and organizing efforts.
Through her work with various community organizations, Sarah has built strong relationships with people from all walks of life. She is a skilled communicator and a natural leader, who is able to inspire others to take action and make positive change.
I have no doubt that Sarah would be an asset to any organization that she is affiliated with. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Community Leader
Accountant Reference
Dear Officer,
I am writing to provide a reference for Karen Lee, who has worked as an accountant at our firm for the past five years. Karen is an excellent employee who is highly skilled at her job, and she always goes the extra mile to ensure that our clients are satisfied with their financial statements.
Throughout her time at our firm, Karen has consistently demonstrated her honesty, integrity, and attention to detail. She is a meticulous worker who takes pride in her work, and she is always willing to take on new challenges.
I would highly recommend Karen for any position that requires a responsible and trustworthy individual. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Manager, XYZ Accounting Firm
Parent Reference
Dear Officer,
I am writing to provide a reference for my son, Michael Johnson, who is applying for a job that requires a police verification. Michael is a responsible and respectful young man who has always been committed to his studies and his community.
Michael is a natural leader who has served as the captain of his high school football team and has volunteered extensively with local youth organizations. He is also a dedicated son who is always willing to help out around the house and take care of his younger siblings.
I have no doubt that Michael will be an asset to any organization that he is affiliated with. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
John Johnson
Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for police verification?
A reference letter for police verification should include your name, title, and contact information, as well as specific examples of the individual’s positive qualities or accomplishments. It should also follow a standard business letter format and be written in a formal tone.
How long should a reference letter for police verification be?
A reference letter for police verification should be no more than one page long. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing enough detail to give a clear picture of the individual’s character and integrity.
Who should I address the reference letter to?
The reference letter should be addressed to the law enforcement agency that is conducting the background check. If you are unsure of who to address it to, you can contact the agency and ask for guidance.
What if I don’t know the individual very well?
If you don’t know the individual very well, it’s best to decline the request for a reference letter. Providing a letter that is not honest or accurate could have serious consequences for both you and the individual in question.
Can I use a template to write my reference letter?
Yes, you can use a template as a starting point for your reference letter. However, be sure to personalize the letter and provide specific examples that are relevant to the individual and their situation.
What if I have concerns about the individual’s background?
If you have concerns about the individual’s background or behavior, it’s best to be honest and upfront about these concerns in your letter. Providing false or misleading information could have serious consequences for both you and the individual in question.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for police verification can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and examples, you can create a strong and effective letter that helps to vouch for the character and integrity of the individual in question. Remember to be specific, use a formal tone, and proofread carefully before sending your letter. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to provide a valuable service to your friend or colleague who is undergoing a background check.