What should be included in HR policies and procedures?

• A. Marketing policy
• B. IT security only
• C. Salary negotiation guidelines
• D. Pre-employment verification, background checks, investigations, and termination procedures

Answer: (D)

HR policies and procedures should govern the entire employment lifecycle with a focus on security and compliance. Including pre-employment verification and background checks ensures candidates meet legal and security requirements before gaining access to systems or premises, helping prevent risk to the organization. Investigations establish a fair, documented process for handling misconduct, while termination procedures ensure a secure, compliant exit—revoking access, recovering equipment, and preserving records as needed. This combination supports a trusted workforce and strengthens supply chain security, which is essential in programs like CTPAT. Other areas like marketing policies or IT security alone don’t address the full range of HR controls needed to manage hiring, conduct, and separation consistently.