Civilian Crash Investigator

City of Charlotte; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Charlotte seeks a Civilian Traffic Investigator to support motorist safety by investigating crashes (property damage), directing traffic, and preparing detailed reports. The role requires driving independently, handling paperwork, and may include weekend/holiday shifts.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, a valid NC/SC driver's license, and NCJA certification. Strong observation, interviewing, and written communication are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED with related experience in non-emergency motorist safety.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license (or SC).
• Certification as Civilian Traffic Investigator through NCJA.
• Certification for NCIC/DCI knowledge, skills & abilities.
• Knowledge of criminal and traffic laws relevant to law enforcement.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and conduct interviews.
• Strong observation, detail orientation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors and drive independently on various shifts.

Responsibilities

• Investigate accident scenes, request EMS/wrecker, and direct traffic for safety.
• Assist with vehicle removal and maintain traffic flow at incidents.
• Gather evidence (skid marks, photos, statements) and document findings.
• Support officers, paramedics, and tow operators as needed.
• Complete paperwork, file reports, and maintain records.
• Interview involved parties to determine event sequence and causes.
• Produce comprehensive accident reports with diagrams and conclusions.
• Apply manual traffic control at scenes and monitor hazards.
• Input data into computer systems to locate wanted individuals and licenses.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment readiness; testify as needed.

Skills

Non-emergency motorist safety

Valid Driver's License

Civilian Traffic Investigator cert

NCIC/DCI knowledge

Report writing

Interview techniques

Observation and detail

Public interaction

Drive in adverse conditions

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Criminal/traffic laws systems

Job description

Department: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Salary: $25.00 - $33.45 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

A successful candidate must be able to perform a variety of duties pertaining to the investigation of motor vehicle (property damage only) collisions, including writing accident reports, controlling traffic flow, directing traffic, and providing crowd control; to perform various administrative support duties. Working in an office and vehicle setting is essential to the position of this job. This position must be able to drive independently as an essential function. This position maybe assigned to various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigate the scene, initiate proper assistance by requesting emergency services (wreckers, ambulances, fire department, law enforcement), and direct traffic to ensure safety and smooth flow.
• Provide aid to disabled vehicles and remove abandoned vehicles that obstruct traffic flow.
• Gathering evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, photographs, and witness statements.
• Provide assistance to police officers, paramedics, and tow truck drivers as needed.
• Completing paperwork, filing reports, and maintaining records.
• Conducting interviews with all parties involved in the accident to gather information about the events leading up to the crash.
• Comprehensive reports detailing the accident, including diagrams, witness statements, and conclusions about the cause.
• Implement manual traffic control measures at accident scenes, road closures, malfunctioning traffic signals, and other situations requiring intervention.
• Monitor designated areas to identify potential hazards.
• Utilize cones, barricades, and flares to control crowds and traffic at hazards, collisions, and other events requiring crowd control.
• Access and input data on a computer to locate wanted individuals, check license plates and drivers' licenses, and access relevant information.
• Ensure the functionality and readiness of assigned vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
• May be required to provide witness testimony in legal proceedings.
• Assist with various administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED with related experience in non-emergency motorist safety (e.g., monitoring radio dispatch for vehicle crashes, traffic hazards, and disabled vehicles) and/or directly related field.
• Must possess a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
• Must be able to obtain a certification as a Civilian Traffic Investigator through the North Carolina Justice Academy
• Certification for NCIC/DCI Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws: Possess comprehensive knowledge of criminal and traffic laws, including statutes, ordinances, and codes relevant to law enforcement duties.
• Understand and apply departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines governing daily operations and investigations.
• Familiarity with the resources and services provided by public and private agencies within the community.
• Effective use of interviewing techniques to gather accurate information from victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Keen ability to observe details at crime scenes and during interactions with individuals.
• Knowledge and application of proper investigative techniques, including evidence collection, crime scene analysis, and report writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with the public, building rapport and trust.
• Skillfully write clear, concise, and accurate reports that document incidents and investigations.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to convey information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of incidents, investigations, and other departmental functions using modern technology.
• Proficient in utilizing various computer software and programs relevant to law enforcement work.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the city and surrounding area, including streets, districts, landmarks, and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Possess strong mental capacity for sound judgment and decision-making under pressure, along with physical fitness to endure demanding duties.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, superiors, and members of the community.
• Strictly adhere to departmental safety rules and regulations while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrate adaptability and initiative in handling diverse situations and working independently as needed.
• Capability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• Possess sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform duties such as assisting with vehicle removal.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, superiors, and members of the community.

ADA and Other Requirements

Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to drive safely in adverse weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical conditions necessary for sitting, standing, climbing, or walking for extended periods of time
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying; some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling when performing tasks.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and speech required.

Sensory Requirements

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proofreading, data entry, and tabulating data.
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, adverse weather, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.
• Comprehensive written information in work-related documents.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a vehicle environment with exposure to outdoor atmospheric conditions; exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files, and phones. This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions, and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. Working in an office and vehicle setting is essential to the position of this job. This position must be able to drive independently as an essential function. This position maybe assigned to various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug‑screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Our City, Our Mission

When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte — a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future.

The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all.

As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us.

We are a values‑driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward‑thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.