Police Background Investigator (Part-Time)

Port of San Diego•San Diego, CA

8d•$50•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a part-time civilian position assigned to the Investigations-Intelligence Section of the Harbor Police Department. Under general supervision, the Police Background Investigator conducts and compiles professional background investigations for candidates under consideration for hire within the Harbor Police Department. The incumbent is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices associated with professional background checks and pre-employment inquiries, exercising considerable independent judgment. Duties may include indirect supervision of technical or clerical personnel. This position requires significant collaboration with the full-time background investigator in the investigations unit.

Requirements

Must be a retired sworn police officer.
Two years of experience performing the work of a background investigator in a public safety environment, or two years experience performing the full range of duties of a Harbor Police Officer.
A current, valid California Class C driver's license at time of appointment and maintained at all times thereafter.
Ability to pass a background investigation that includes, but is not limited to a polygraph examination.
Read, comprehend, and interpret detailed, complex written material.
Prepare clear, concise written reports.
Analyze complex ideas and information and present findings in a succinct understandable format, both verbally and in writing.
Simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patterns and relationships, and develop theories about past occurrences based on numerous small bits of information or evidence.
Access information through various computer systems.
Compare and interpret information, recognize and examine discrepancies, and draw logical conclusions.
Manage time sufficiently to prioritize and combine investigations to ensure timely completion.
Balance workload and handle several cases at a time.
Utilize appropriate investigative techniques to capture an accurate image of the candidate's background.
Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management and the public.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds.
Work cooperatively as part of a team.
Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught or uncooperative persons.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills required to discuss matters which are of a sensitive and sometimes of an inflammatory nature with candidates and others contacted during the course of the investigation.
Observe body language when interviewing individuals looking for signs of truthfulness and credibility.
Conduct interviews in a manner that places people at ease and encourages cooperation.
Keep interviews focused on the material to be covered.
Listen, in person and on the telephone, and pay close attention to what is being said.
Perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood the question, rephrase and clarify questions, and follow-up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements.

Nice To Haves

Specialized training in a P.O.S.T. approved background investigation school is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Review completed background interview forms for completeness, accuracy, inconsistencies, errors, omissions, and falsifications.
Obtain and review records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and State and municipal law enforcement agencies to determine a candidate's involvement in any crime.
Obtain and review arrest reports, witness statements, and other documents to assess a candidate's background for suitability as a Harbor Police Department employee.
Obtain and review credit reports and evaluate financial responsibility.
Interview employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, members of the candidate's family, and personal references.
Develop second and third level references and make additional inquiries to determine the credibility of statements.
Observe individuals being interviewed for physical indicators of truthfulness.
Prepare detailed and complete interview statements for each person interviewed.
Prepare final background investigation packages for presentation to Command Staff.
Organize all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.
Meet regularly with management and the candidate to provide status updates on the investigation.
Prepare a detailed summary of adverse information based on objective analysis and evaluation of a candidate's background and statements from others.
Measure the candidate's background against job dimensions set forth by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Complete background packages for review and final recommendation.
Coordinate scheduling to ensure efficient use of time while traveling.
Represent the Department at job fairs and other recruiting activities.
Make presentations and educate groups concerning the hiring process, including the background investigation process.
Serve as an evaluator on interview panels, assessment centers, and other testing procedures.
Administer written exams and serve as a test proctor for a variety of testing processes.
Provide orientation to new police officers.
Coordinate equipment needs and locker assignment for new officers.
Perform related duties as assigned.