Detective

Job Description and Duties

BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING, AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION ARE REQUIRED.

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with variety in your work? The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is seeking a dynamic Detective with recent experience in State service as a peace officer investigating auto, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance fraud and ability to generate clear and concise correspondence and investigative reports.

If this is you, then CDI may be the employer for you!

Under supervision of a Supervising Fraud Investigator I, Investigators are assigned law enforcement responsibilities of various complexity and volume commensurate with their background and training from entry level to highly complex duties and casework. Investigators conduct criminal investigations of felony violations of State and Federal law relating to insurance fraud and white-collar crime. Incumbents may work alone, with a team, or as a lead criminal investigator assigned to conduct investigations of criminal enterprises and profiteering and assist in the prosecution of cases involving these groups in both State and Federal courts; and conduct investigations involving a broad range of felony violations, both State and Federal judicial systems. Incumbents perform a full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments in accordance with the California Penal Code, Section 830.3.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), which includes an Assuming Office filing within 30 days of appointment, annual filings, and a Leaving Office filing within 30 days of physical separation. Non-compliance with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may result in the voiding of appointment, financial penalties, or enforcement actions.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information, visit the CalHR Website ().

In addition to the regular salary, this classification is eligible for the following pay differentials:
• Recruitment & Retention - $200/month (For Investigators assigned to offices in the following counties: Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, Solano County)
• Education - select link for details- Pay Differential 244
• Longevity - select link for details-

These positions may be filled as Limited Term/Full-Time if the candidate needs to complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will be appointed to the Investigator position Permanent/Full-Time. If the candidate has already met POST requirements through an academy, then he/she will be appointed Permanent/Full-Time upon hire. 

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Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a law enforcement environment that includes the presence of firearms.
• Must qualify and carry a firearm.

• A valid California driver license is required.

• Must be 21 years of age.

• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the situation in which investigator is involved, at any given time.

• There is a reasonable expectation of contact with dangerous suspects.

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and carrying is required.

• The incumbent must be able to work in a high-rise building.
• Some travel is required within and/or outside the state of California via private or public transportation. (i.e., automobile, airplane,, etc.) Travel may include overnight stay.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Enforcement Branch and based on CDI’s current telework policy. While CDI supports telework, in-person attendance will be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to work with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

Please attach (upload) all the required documents to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position (i.e., degree, transcript, license, certificate). If you fail to provide the required documentation, your application package will be marked as incomplete and not considered for an interview.

• Exam list eligibility - refer to exam link above.
• Transfer eligibility, if applicable, for current/former civil service employees
• Criminal Record Supplement Questionnaire
• Degree or Transcript
• Statement of Qualifications
• POST Verification (if applicable)
• A valid California driver license
  

CRIMINAL RECORD SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE (CRSQ) IS REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CRSQ FORM

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Recent experience in State service as a peace officer investigating auto, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance fraud; 
• Ability to generate clear and concise correspondence and investigative reports; 
• Ability to liaison with other law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in the region; 
• Graduate of Regular Basic Course (RBC) academy or Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course (SIBC) academy desired;
• Preferred degree in criminal justice, criminology, police science, sociology, communications, psychology and forensic sciences, political science, finance, accounting, business administration, and public administration; and
• Fluency in non-English language is preferred but not required. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to indicate their fluency via Question #5 of the STD. 678.

Benefits

• Free Parking
• Alternate Work Week Schedule
• Flexible Work Hours
• Remote Work Options
• Medical Benefits - including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• On the Job Training
• Career Services Program
• Recognition Program
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401 (k), 457)
• Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Examination Information

Step 1 - If you have not taken the Investigator examination, or if your eligibility has expired, and/or you have no other type of eligibility, you MUST take the exam ination to be eligible for appointment. Please click the link provided below for the examination information and instructions.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Instructions may be found in the Statement of Qualifications Section of this job posting.