Background Investigator

Southfield, City of • Southfield, MI

1d

About The Position

Background Investigation is a specialized unit within the Southfield Police Department Court Services Section. It conducts comprehensive background checks on potential employees, including police officers, civilian staff, and other personnel, to help ensure that individuals hired by the City of Southfield meet high standards of integrity and character. The unit assesses candidates’ qualifications, suitability, and backgrounds, including personal history, criminal records, financial status, and employment history, supporting the department’s commitment to public trust, safety, and professionalism.

This is a part-time position with no benefits. The selection process includes a City of Southfield application, review of qualifications, driving record and criminal history checks, and an oral board interview. Applicants must pass each step to advance; invitations to participate further are based on the nature and extent of their related experience.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior police experience; applicants should be retirees or recently separated in good standing.
• No significant criminal history or history of dishonesty or misconduct.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations and maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough background checks on job candidates, reviewing criminal history, credit reports, driving records, employment history, references, and other relevant documents.
• Gather, verify, and assess information from law enforcement databases, public records, personal references, employers, schools, and other sources.
• Interview applicants and personal or professional references in person or by phone to gather information about candidates’ backgrounds and suitability.
• Prepare accurate, impartial, well-documented investigation reports summarizing findings and potential concerns relevant to candidate eligibility.
• Ensure investigations comply with federal, state, and local laws, including privacy, non-discrimination, and employment requirements, and maintain confidentiality.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Legal units to complete background checks in a timely and thorough manner.
• Maintain organized investigation records and ensure materials are safely stored and accessible for future reference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED