A background investigation is a vital part of the hiring process for law enforcement and emergency response positions. These investigations verify statements from candidates, corroborate references, dig into social media profiles and investigate criminal history, military records, driving record, credit report, organization affiliations and more.
However, traditional processes can take 4+ months to complete — which is time that your agency can’t afford. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Background Investigator.
The role of a Background Investigator is to conduct a thorough pre-employment background investigation on applicants for sworn and civilian public safety positions. In addition, this position performs other duties as assigned. These tasks include national criminal records research, employment and education verification, and assisting with polygraph and medical screenings. They are also responsible for obtaining and reviewing financial reports, credit information and military service records. Background Investigators also interview candidates and prepare written recommendations regarding employment suitability. They are supervised by the Background Investigations Supervisor and work with other investigators.
This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive pre-employment background investigations on candidates for sworn and civilian public safety positions within the City of Apache Junction police department. This position is also responsible for performing background investigations on City of Apache Junction vendors, volunteers, and chaperones. Other duties include assisting with polygraphs, medical screenings and psychological evaluations. This position requires integrity, sound judgement and strong written communication skills.
The background investigation officer is a non-sworn position that conducts a full range of investigative functions to assist the Commission with its mission and goals. This includes a wide range of background and criminal investigations on riverboat owners, key persons, suppliers, employees and applicants for licensure. In addition, the position is required to work closely with other Commission divisions and outside law enforcement agencies sharing jurisdiction and oversight responsibilities in the gaming industry.
Conducts in-depth, complex background and financial investigations of individuals, companies and organizations related to the operation of a casino. Provides support and assistance to the Director of Background Investigations and the Director of Financial Investigations as needed. In this role, the investigator is required to meet a broad range of deadlines.
Conducts a variety of detailed investigative interviews and obtains a wide range of documentation from both public and private sources, including financial, employment, criminal and driving records. Interviews individuals to gather and analyze information about the applicant, including but not limited to current and former employers, neighbors, co-workers, law enforcement officers, family members, and personal and professional references; prepares investigative reports and presentations for management and supervision; and works closely with the applicant throughout the process.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in criminology or a related field is the minimum requirement for becoming a background investigator. This degree will help you develop a strong foundation of skills for conducting thorough investigations. You will learn how to conduct interviews, collect and analyze evidence, and prepare reports for your employer.
A background investigation is an extensive examination of a job candidate’s personal and professional history. The process can include interviewing a candidate’s employer, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officers and military personnel, as well as personal and business references. During the investigation, the investigator will determine whether the applicant has a criminal record and is a good fit for the position. The investigator will then write a report and make recommendations to the applicant’s hiring manager.
The duties of a background investigator are to perform the investigation and preparation of written recommendations regarding employment suitability for applicants seeking sworn and civilian positions with the Sheriff’s Department, Clackamas County or cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Department for police services. The Investigator may also perform other work as assigned.
Background Investigators work closely with the Recruitment and Selection unit to recruit candidates. They screen applications and verify the accuracy of candidate information, including education, driving records, credit history, military service, employment history and personal references. They also assist candidates and hiring managers with the application and onboarding processes.
Ensure compliance with established Commission policies, directives and standards of practice. Conduct background investigations and financial investigations with a high level of proficiency, effort and timeliness in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Case Management System requirements.
As a member of the Investigations Section, this position is responsible for investigating complex, routine and non-routine matters under the direction of the Director of Background Investigations and the Director of Financial Investigations. Performs investigative activities as assigned by the Commissioner and in coordination with other division members.
This is a non-sworn, civil, non-police officer position that serves as the lead investigator for the Licensing Background Unit. The unit conducts full license qualifications reviews of character and fitness for more than 21 construction trades. The unit also conducts the background investigations for PGCPS vendors, volunteers and chaperones.
Experience Requirements
As part of the Investigations Section, this position is responsible for investigative work and preparation of written recommendations regarding employment suitability for sworn and civilian applicants. Investigations include criminal records research and verification, employment and education verification, and supporting national security and suitability investigations. Investigations also focus on riverboat owner, key persons and employees, suppliers, vendors and applicants for licensure. Investigators are required to conduct interviews, obtain records and documents, perform data entry, and prepare reports in compliance with Commission policies, procedures and laws.
This career requires integrity, sound judgment and excellent written communication skills. It is important to interact with a diverse population across all socioeconomic levels and to remain professional. This job differs from the sworn Deputy Sheriff classification that patrols County roads and rivers, investigates crimes and provides community protection; and the sworn Evidence Technician classification that preserves, identifies, and analyzes physical evidence for law enforcement use.
Conducts background investigations for applicant eligibility involving verification of the applicant’s criminal, court and driving record, employment and education history; and credit, military service, and personal references. Reviews and evaluates documents and information submitted by applicants or their personal and/or employment references and conducts discrepancy interviews to determine the truthfulness of documentation and information provided by applicants and their personal and/or employment reference.
Prepares comprehensive and accurate background investigation packages for review and final recommendation. Works in conjunction with management and/or candidates to ensure they are apprised of the status of the investigation(s). Organizes and maintains all records in compliance with established procedures. Investigates and analyzes complex data in order to draw reasonable and logical conclusions. Interviews applicants, sworn and civilian personnel, family members and other people who may have information about an applicant for the purposes of conducting a background investigation.
Completes all investigations with a maximum amount of proficiency, effort and timeliness in accordance with the Commission’s performance metrics. Maintains positive working relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies sharing oversight responsibilities of the gaming industry. Remains up-to-date on all regulatory, legal and financial issues affecting the gaming industry.
Salary
The salary for a Background Investigator varies depending on the area in which they work. For example, a Background Investigator working in the Department of Public Safety may earn more than a Background Investigator working for an educational institution. In general, salaries for Background Investigators range from $125,000 to $148,000 per year.
Generally, the highest salaries are earned by investigators who work for federal agencies. These investigators are required to pass a comprehensive criminal background check, and they typically receive bonuses and other incentives for their performance.
The job duties of a Background Investigator include performing investigative tasks, interviewing applicants, collecting and reviewing information, and writing reports. They also conduct national security and suitability investigations on behalf of government agencies. They are required to follow strict guidelines and laws when conducting investigations. They must have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
A Background Investigator is an investigator who works for a public agency and is responsible for conducting criminal background checks on employees. This position is usually based in an office, although it can sometimes require travel. Investigators often interact with a variety of people, including the candidate’s family members, co-workers, law enforcement officials, and military personnel. They must have excellent written communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. They must be comfortable interacting with people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.