Background Investigator

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continues to evolve as an effective, inclusive, and modern police organization. We are focused on maintaining the trust of the people who live, work, and visit San Francisco by reviewing our initiatives, learning from best practices, and adapting to the changing needs of the City.

The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect for all. We are committed to just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive policing carried out with dignity and in partnership with the community. We collaborate with community members and City partners to promote safety, fairness, and trust across San Francisco, with an emphasis on strong relationships and support for the well‑being of our neighborhoods.

The Department is dedicated to excellence in law enforcement and to the people, traditions, and diversity of San Francisco. Our mission is to keep the public safe by protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing the fear of crime. We provide service with understanding, respond with compassion, and perform with integrity as we continue to grow as a forward‑thinking organization serving one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:

• Final date to receive applications: announcement may close anytime after two weeks from posting date.
• Position re-posted for additional applicant pool. Previous applicants need not re-apply.
• Class & Compensation:$112,112-$136,240
• Recruitment :TEX-
• Appointment Type:Temporary Exempt
  -This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. The duration of the appointment shall not exceed 36 months.

Under general direction, coordinates, directs and conducts background investigations for candidates under consideration for employment. Incumbents in this class are considered journey level investigators who may function independently or as a member of a team.

Example of Important and Essential Duties:

The duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Reviews applications for completeness and directs candidates to provide additional information if needed; obtains proper information release documents.
• Conducts background interviews with candidates to review and collect required documentation; confirms candidates meet the minimum qualifications of the job classification.
• Conducts background investigation using tact and discretion; confirms information provided by candidates; makes inquiries to assist in determining credibility of statements; interviews references, including family, personal to include law enforcement and gathers evidence in order to provide a body of information for analysis; reviews local, state, and federal criminal databases; may conduct home visits and/or neighborhood checks which can include travel to locations outside of the county and/or outside of the state as necessary.
• Conducts follow-up investigations regarding any negative information or discrepancies; conducts discrepancy interviews.
• Summarizes and explains progress and results of investigations with applicants and/or supervisor.
• Regularly prepares lists and records accounting for status of assigned investigative caseload.
• Maintains records, files, data and supporting documentation for each case handled; preserves evidence in a secure manner for evaluation and analysis; adherence to established customs and procedures regarding control and custody of records, including evidence.
• Analyzes information and…