Background Investigator

Southfield, City of (MI); Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Southfield seeks a part-time Background Investigator to perform detailed background checks on police officers, civilian staff, and personnel. You will gather and verify data from multiple sources, interview applicants and references, and prepare clear, impartial reports for hiring officials.

The role requires U.S. citizenship or work authorization, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or related field preferred).
• Prior police experience – retiree or recently separated in good standing.
• No significant criminal history or history of dishonesty or misconduct.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough background investigations: review criminal history, credit reports, driving records, employment history, references, and other documents; interviews may be conducted to assess suitability.
• Collect, verify, and assess information from law enforcement databases, public records, references, employers, and schools.
• Interview applicants and references to gather additional background insights.
• Prepare detailed background investigation reports with findings and concerns for hiring officials.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including privacy, non-discrimination, and employment practices; maintain confidentiality.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Legal units to complete checks timely and thoroughly.
• Maintain organized documentation and secure records for future reference.

Skills

Interviews

Report writing

Confidentiality

Legal compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Background Investigation is a specialized section within the Southfield Police Department Court Services Section, tasked with conducting comprehensive background checks on all potential employees, including police officers, civilian staff, and other personnel. This unit plays a critical role in ensuring that only individuals of the highest integrity and character are hired by the City of Southfield. Background Investigation supports the department’s commitment to public trust, safety, and professionalism by thoroughly assessing the qualifications, suitability, and background of each candidate.

The unit is responsible for collecting and evaluating information regarding a candidate's personal history, criminal record, financial status, employment history, and other relevant factors to determine their eligibility for employment with the department.

Please note: This is a part-time position with no benefits

• Conducting thorough background investigations: Perform detailed background checks on job candidates, which include reviewing criminal history, credit reports, driving records, employment history, references, and other relevant documents. Interviews with personal and professional contacts may be conducted to assess suitability for employment.

• Collection and analysis of information: Gather, verify, and assess information from a variety of sources, including law enforcement databases, public records, personal references, employers, schools, and other relevant entities.

• Interviewing applicants and references: Conduct in-person or phone interviews with applicants and their references to gather additional insight into the candidate's personal and professional background.

• Report writing: Prepare detailed background investigation reports that summarize findings, highlighting any potential issues or concerns that may affect the candidate's eligibility. Reports should be accurate, impartial, and well-documented for review by hiring officials.

• Compliance with legal and departmental standards: Ensure that all background investigation activities comply with federal, state, and local laws, including laws related to privacy, non-discrimination, and employment practices. Investigators must maintain confidentiality regarding all investigation materials.

• Coordination with other units: Work closely with the department’s Human Resources, Recruiting, and Legal units to ensure that all background checks are completed in a timely and thorough manner.

• Documentation and record keeping: Maintain organized records of investigations, ensuring that all materials are safely stored and accessible for future references.

• U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

• A high school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or related field preferred).

• Prior police experience – retiree or recently separated in good standing.

• No significant criminal history or history of dishonesty or misconduct.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations and maintain confidentiality.