Which document must an applicant submit to verify their citizenship or residency when applying for LEOC?

When applying for Law Enforcement Officer Certification (LEOC), it is essential for an applicant to provide documentation that verifies their citizenship or legal residency status. The correct answer, which includes a birth certificate or naturalization paperwork, is significant because these documents directly establish an individual's citizenship.

A birth certificate provides evidence of an individual's birth in the United States, thus confirming that they are a U.S. citizen by birth. On the other hand, naturalization paperwork is essential for individuals who have gone through the legal process to become U.S. citizens after being born elsewhere. These two forms of documentation specify the applicant's legal status in relation to U.S. citizenship, which is crucial for law enforcement roles that have specific eligibility requirements regarding citizenship.

In contrast, other options like a passport or a driver's license serve different purposes. While a passport is a valid form of identification and citizenship verification, it is not among the primary documents specifically required for LEOC applications. A Social Security card verifies identity and employment eligibility but does not confirm citizenship or residency. Each of these documents plays a role in establishing identity and eligibility, but the birth certificate or naturalization paperwork is specifically tailored to prove citizenship, making it the correct choice in this context.