(a) General rule.--A prospective employing law enforcement agency shall conduct a thorough background investigation on an applicant, including a review of the applicant's employment information and separation records, if applicable, in accordance with this chapter, before the applicant may be employed. The background investigation shall determine at a minimum whether the applicant meets the standards established by the commission.

(b) Higher standards not precluded.--The required background investigation does not prevent a law enforcement agency from establishing higher standards for law enforcement employees if those standards are not contrary to applicable law.