Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)

Salary: $48.53 Hourly
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Part-Time Temporary
Job Number: 269004-02
Department: Police
Division: Office of the Chief of Police
Opening Date: 05/11/2026


Job Summary
Calling All Retired Law Enforcement Officers!

Are you seeking a part-time opportunity that puts your law enforcement experience to use? We have an exciting opportunity for you as a Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)!

In this role, you will:

• Conduct comprehensive background investigations for prospective sworn safety and civilian applicants for the Police Department.
• Obtain and review criminal history records from various agencies, including the FBI, DOJ, DMV, and other relevant sources.
• Evaluate applicants' financial history, including credit reports when necessary.
• Interview and gather detailed personal information from applicants and their references, utilizing your investigative skills to develop additional leads.
• Prepare thorough background files and final synopses for hiring approval.

Why Retired Sworn Personnel?

• Your unique experience and expertise in law enforcement make you the ideal candidate for this role.
• This position offers flexible part-time hours, making it a perfect fit for those looking to stay engaged while enjoying retirement.
• Though it is an as-needed position without benefits, it provides an opportunity to apply your valuable skills in a meaningful way.

If you're interested in staying involved in law enforcement and contributing to the Santa Monica community, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today and bring your expertise to our team as a Background Investigation Officer.
The Background Investigation Officer position is open on a continuous basis and may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications is received. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

Job Summary: Completes background investigations of potential applicants under consideration for hire within the Police Department and other City Departments.

Representative Duties


Conducts background investigations on prospective sworn safety (police officer) applicants and civilian applicants to work within the Police Department and other City Departments.

Obtains and reviews criminal history records from Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Justice, Department of Motor Vehicles, State and Municipal law enforcement agencies and other applicable resources.

Reviews applicant financial history and obtains credit report, when necessary.

Interviews and gathers personal information from prospective applicant, applicant's employers, co-workers, neighbors, landlords, family and personal references and develops additional references using investigative techniques.

Writes final synopsis regarding applicant and prepares complete background file for hiring approval by the Chief of Police or designee.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills :

Knowledge of :

Selection standards set forth by P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards & Training).
Laws pertaining to hiring practices.
Report writing.
English grammar and composition.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to :

Keep accurate records and prepare clear concise reports.
Maintain confidentiality of personal information.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Follow written and oral instructions.
Use law enforcement telecommunications databases in an appropriate manner.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills when acquiring sensitive information from reference sources.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, and the public.
Provide effective customer service.

Skill in :

Reading, writing and communicating at an appropriate level.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.
Dealing with a variety of culturally sensitive issues.

Education, Training and Experience :

High school graduation or the equivalent.

Two years of paid work experience as a Police Officer with investigative/detective experience in a California law enforcement agency recognized by P.O.S.T. Specialized training in a P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation School and notary public commissioned is desirable.


Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY : Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed on-line City application with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

SELECTION PROCESS : An on-line City application and required supplemental questionnaire must be completed to be considered for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call View phone number on click.appcast.io (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
This is a temporary hourly position without benefits. The City of Santa Monica provides a deferred compensation (457) retirement plan for its as-needed (temporary) employees who are not eligible for coverage under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City and as-needed employee are each required to contribute 3.75% of wages to the deferred compensation plan. As-needed employee contributions will be deducted from paychecks on a pre-tax basis.