Civilian Investigator – CPCA

City of Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Columbia is seeking a Background Investigator to support the police department's mission by collecting, analyzing, and documenting information for investigations and background checks. The role involves interviewing applicants, verifying histories, and presenting findings in court as needed.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, 1–3 years of experience, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years’ experience.

Responsibilities

• Collects, compiles, and analyzes applicant information from interviews and references.
• Completes applicant background checks and investigates employment, education, residential history, and military service.
• Performs follow-up investigations of crimes independently or with a police team.
• Prepares case documentation for filing with prosecuting attorney and presents case evidence in court as required.
• Collects and disseminates intelligence related to criminal activity and other jurisdictions that may affect the city.
• Identifies and preserves physical evidence for examination and court presentation.
• Assists administration in investigations of officers involved in criminal activity or policy violations.
• Regular attendance and flexibility in schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Research

Time management

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

HOURS: Generally Monday – Friday, 8 hours per day, with some flexibility in start/end shift times. The purpose of this job is to support the mission of the Columbia Police Department through collecting, analyzing, and documenting information related to criminal, internal, and pre-employment investigations.

• – Collects, compiles, and analyzes applicant information, including data gathered from interviews and references.
• – Completes applicant background check. Investigates employment history, educational background, residential history, and military service.
• – Performs follow-up investigations of crimes either independently or as a member of a police team.
• – Prepared case documentation for filing with the prosecuting attorney and presents case evidence in Court as required.
• – Collects, compiles, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence information related to criminal activity and other jurisdictions that may adversely affect the city.
• – Indentifies, collects, documents and preserves physical evidence found at crime scenes for the purposes of further examination and presentation in court.
• – Assists Police Administration in maintaining the public trust by conducting administrative investigations of officers involves in criminal activites, use of force incidents, or violations of departmental policies.
• – Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• – Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• – A high school diploma or equivalent.
• – 1 to 3 years’ experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• – Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge of:

• – Applicable state, federal, and local laws as they relate to background investigations.
• – Basic business English usage, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• – General office practices and administrative procedures, records management, and administration techniques and procedures.
• – Social media platforms.
• – Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Skill in:

• – Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• – Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
• – Interviewing.
• – Conducting research.
• – Organizing and managing time effectively.
• – Maintaining accurate documentation.

Ability to:

• – Process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• – Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• – Research, compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely.
• – Create and present reports.
• – Work a flexible schedule based on operational needs.
• – Work independently.
• – Render credible testimony.
• – Regularly use a computer, software, phone, and related office equipment.
• – Focus on tasks.