Police Background Investigator

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

4d•$15 - $24

About The Position

This is responsible para-professional investigative work conducting pre-employment background investigations for police officer, civilian, and executive staff candidates. The work involves coordinating information and actions with others to assess applicants’ suitability and eligibility for employment and to provide employment clearance or information supporting suitability determinations. The role works under general direction, reports to a direct supervisor, and requires broad knowledge of City administrative and investigative processes and relevant human resources programs. Its work affects hiring and retention decisions. The investigator retrieves and reviews applicant files and records, conducts research and preliminary checks, gathers and analyzes information, contacts applicants and their sources, and prepares accurate reports and investigation packets. The role requires handling confidential records securely, following applicable procedures and retention requirements, completing Florida Department of Law Enforcement forms and investigations to FDLE standards, and using investigative databases, technology tools, and social media engines. The employee may assist with fingerprinting and issuing ID cards, respond to employment verification and public records requests, and support applicant selection. Work may involve field visits, meetings, travel outside city limits, and attendance at events outside regular business hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of investigative experience in law enforcement.
Valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of appointment.
Must successfully complete the earliest available Police Applicant Background Investigator Course.
Must obtain NCIC and/or FCIC certification within one year of the start date, if applicable, and maintain the certification.
Knowledge of procedures and operations for investigating employment and other background information on applicants for city police department positions.
Ability to work independently while following department guidelines and policies, take direction from supervisors, and manage multiple investigative cases.
Knowledge of personnel principles and practices sufficient to conduct pre-employment background inquiries.
Knowledge of research, data collection, and report-writing methods, principles, and techniques.
Ability to analyze and interpret data, obtain relevant and accurate information through interviews, interrogation, and observation, and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively in diverse interpersonal settings and deal tactfully and equitably with people.
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality.
Working knowledge of computers and relevant software and ability to use applications and modern information technology to collect, analyze, and display data.
Ability to attend meetings or perform assignments outside the office as necessary.
Ability to perform mostly sedentary work, sit for prolonged periods, and also walk or stand.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of a Police Applicant Background Investigations training course.
Experience investigating police or civilian background inquiries.

Responsibilities

Conduct background investigations for police officer, civilian, and executive staff candidates.
Provide employment clearance for applicants to police jobs and information to support suitability determinations.
Retrieve and review applicant files and records to assess eligibility, and investigate all aspects of each applicant.
Collect, research, compile, and analyze information and data; prepare precise and accurate background reports.
Conduct preliminary background checks and complete investigations in accordance with department procedures, background packets and checklists, and FDLE standards and requirements.
Communicate and follow up with applicants throughout the hiring process, and make reasonable efforts to contact their references and other sources by phone, email, or in person.
Document all aspects of investigations, including applicant progression or lack of progression, and complete cases promptly to meet hiring needs.
Maintain applicant records according to retention regulations and confidentiality requirements, handle sensitive information discreetly, and file background packets securely.
Establish work priorities, coordinate cases to meet deadlines, and manage multiple investigations independently.
Assist with the selection process for certified and non-certified applicants.
Respond to employment verification requests from external employers in accordance with public records policies and work with the Police Records Division on public records requests.
Complete required FDLE forms and attend required training to gain access to search databases.
Navigate investigative databases and use relevant technology tools and social media engines.
Represent the department at meetings, hearings, and conferences as required; interact and communicate effectively with applicants and the public.
Assist with fingerprinting and issuing ID cards.
Perform related duties as required.
May review other background investigators’ work or provide them direction, accompany sworn personnel in the field, assist with background investigation procedures, and prepare investigation packets for supervisors and executive command staff.