## How to Search for an Officer's Certification The IRIS system offers a straightforward search interface to locate specific individuals. To perform a search, follow these steps: * **Search by Name:** You can search using the individual's last name and first name. The system allows for partial name searches if you are unsure of the exact spelling. Entering the first few letters of the last name will generate a list of matching profiles, which can be helpful if the spelling is complex. * **Search by DPSST ID:** If you have the officer's unique DPSST identification number, entering this directly is the fastest way to locate their specific record. This eliminates the need to sort through matching or similar names. Once you input the search criteria, submit the query to generate a list of matching public safety professionals. Click on the correct individual's name to view their full profile.
## Understanding the Search Results and Profiles After selecting the correct individual from the search results, you will be directed to their public profile page. This page contains detailed sections regarding their professional history: * **Certification Status:** This section shows whether the officer holds active certifications (such as Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, or Supervisory) and if those certifications are currently in good standing, lapsed, or revoked. * **Employment History:** You can view a chronological list of agencies the officer has worked for, including hire dates and separation dates. This helps confirm whether the officer is currently employed by a specific agency. * **Training Records:** The profile lists the training courses the officer has completed, including the hours credited for each course. This includes basic academy training as well as specialized ongoing education. * **Status Indicators:** The database indicates whether the individual is currently employed by a public safety agency or if they are inactive. ## Limitations and Alternative Verification Methods
While the DPSST IRIS database is updated regularly, there are limitations to the online system. Availability of older historical records is not guaranteed, as older paper-based files may not be fully digitized or integrated into the online portal. If you cannot find an officer's record online, or if you need certified copies of training and certification records for legal or official purposes, you should contact the DPSST directly. You can submit a public records request via email or mail to the DPSST records division. Additionally, contacting the employing law enforcement agency directly is a reliable alternative to verify an officer's current employment status and credentials.
