Police Background Investigator

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

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 applicant suitability and eligibility for employment. The position operates under general direction, reports to a direct supervisor, and requires knowledge of City administrative and investigative processes and relevant human resources programs. Its work contributes to hiring and retention decisions. The investigator gathers, researches, and analyzes information; reviews applicant files and records; contacts applicants and their references or other sources; and prepares accurate, comprehensive background reports. The role requires consistent use of department procedures and checklists, confidentiality and secure records handling, case and deadline management, and effective communication with applicants, the public, colleagues, and external employers. Duties also include supporting applicant selection, completing required FDLE forms and investigations, responding to certain employment verification and public records requests, navigating investigative databases and technology, and assisting with fingerprinting and ID cards. The position is mostly sedentary, involving prolonged sitting as well as some walking and standing. Work may include travel outside city limits and investigations away from the office, including job-site visits, neighborhood checks, and applicant meetings. Meetings and community events may occur outside regular business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of investigative experience in law enforcement.
Valid Florida driver's 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 start date, if applicable, and maintain applicable certification.
Knowledge of procedures and operations for investigating employment and other background information on applicants for city police department positions.
Ability to act independently while following department guidelines and policies, take direction from supervision, and manage multiple 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 and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively in diverse interpersonal settings and deal tactfully and equitably with people.
Ability to obtain relevant and accurate information through interviews, interrogation, and observation.
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality.
Working knowledge of computers and relevant software, and ability to use computers and applications to collect and analyze data and present information using modern information technology.
Ability to attend meetings or perform assignments outside the office as necessary.
Ability to 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 pre-employment 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 and investigate all aspects of each applicant.
Collect, research, compile, and analyze information and data; prepare and submit precise, accurate, clear, and comprehensive background reports.
Follow background investigation procedures, packets, checklists, and applicable FDLE standards and requirements consistently.
Communicate with and follow up with applicants throughout the hiring process, and make reasonable efforts to contact applicant sources by phone, email, or in person.
Complete investigations in a timely manner to meet hiring needs and manage multiple investigative cases and work priorities.
Document all aspects of investigations, including applicant progression or lack of progression; maintain records according to retention regulations and confidentiality requirements; and file background packets securely.
Handle confidential information with care and discretion and observe the Privacy Act.
Attend and successfully complete required training to access search databases; navigate investigative databases and use relevant technology and social media engines.
Assist with the selection process for certified and non-certified applicants.
Respond to external employers' employment verification requests in accordance with public records request policies and work with the Police Records Division on public records requests.
Use and complete required Florida Department of Law Enforcement forms.
Assist with fingerprinting and issuing ID cards.
Represent the department at meetings, hearings, and conferences as required.
May review the work of or provide direction to other background investigators; accompany sworn personnel in the field; assist in developing relevant background investigation procedures; and prepare investigative packets for supervisors and executive command staff.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.