Police Background Investigator (Part-Time)

Position Overview This is a part‑time position that requires occasional in‑person office attendance. Eligibility requires being a retired sworn police officer. The hourly rate is $50.44. The role requires significant collaboration with the full‑time background investigator in the investigations unit. Job Purpose Under general supervision, conduct and compile professional background investigations for Harbor Police Department candidates. Responsibilities Review completed background interview forms, checking 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 if the candidate was a witness, victim, suspect, or perpetrator of any crime. Obtain and review arrest reports, witness statements, and other documents to determine if the candidate has the appropriate background to become a Harbor Police Department employee. Obtain and review credit reports and evaluate financial responsibility. Interview employers, co‑workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, family members of the candidate, and personal references. Develop second and third level references and make additional inquiries to assist in determining credibility of statements. Observe each person being interviewed for the presence or absence of physical indicators of truthfulness. Prepare detailed and complete interview statements for each person being interviewed to allow a reviewer to draw reasonable and logical conclusions about the prospective candidate. Prepare final background investigation package for presentation to Command Staff. Organize all investigative material in accordance with established procedures. Meet regularly with management and the candidate to keep them informed of the status of the investigation. Prepare a detailed summary of adverse information based on objective analysis and evaluation of a candidate’s background and statements from others contacted during the background investigation. 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. Other Duties 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 assignments for new officers. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge of Selection standards set forth by POST. Confidentiality laws and issues surrounding confidentiality of personnel records, requests for information on candidates from other departments, the public, or the media. Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity of candidate background investigation files and other information contained therein. Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may compromise the integrity of the investigation or investigation file documents. Various technical specialists available to assist in an investigation and when to request such assistance. Ability to 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 of a sensitive and sometimes inflammatory nature with candidates and others contacted during 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 or conflicting statements. Minimum Requirements Two years of experience performing the work of a background investigator in a public safety environment, or two years of experience performing the full range of duties of a Harbor Police Officer. Licenses and Certifications Specialized training in a P.O.S.T. approved background investigation school is highly desirable. Current, valid California Class C driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintained at all times thereafter to operate a vehicle on District business. Pass a polygraph examination if assigned to perform work at any District Harbor Police facility. Equal Employment Opportunity The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status. Physical and Mental Demands The incumbent will communicate verbally both in person and over the telephone. The work requires traveling to conduct interviews and review documents, including airline travel and vehicle travel. Business travel may require being away from the office for up to five days or longer. Use of a rental vehicle may be required. The incumbent drives up to 4‑6 hours in a vehicle, with the ability to take short breaks. Off‑business‑hours contacts, including swing and graveyard shifts, may be required. The incumbent sits for extended periods of time in the office, with the ability to change positions at will. Reviewing documents requires comparing information for completeness and consistency. The incumbent uses a personal computer to compile reports and correspondence. Persons with disabilities may perform the essential duties with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends in part on job requirements and the limitations related to disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Port of San Diego