Background Investigator

Overview

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continually strives to become a more effective, inclusive and modern police department, while earning the trust and pride of those we serve and those who serve. Our goal is to reflect on current SFPD initiatives, assess best practices across the country, and evaluate the changing environment in policing and within the City to arrive at a strategy statement that the Department and our community can embody every day.

The San Francisco Police Department stands for Safety and Respect for All. We will engage in just transparent unbiased and responsive policing. We will do so in the spirit of dignity and in collaboration with the community. And we will maintain and build trust and respect as the guardians of Constitutional and human rights.

The San Francisco Police Department is committed to excellence in law enforcement and is dedicated to the people, traditions and diversity of our City. The department provides service with understanding, response with compassion, performance with integrity and law enforcement with vision. The department has grown into a nationally known police department providing law enforcement services to one of the most recognized cities in the United States.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:

• Application Opening: May 28, 2025
• Final date to receive applications: Apply immediately, announcement may close anytime after two weeks from posting date.
• Class & Compensation: $108,264-$131,586
• 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.
• Work Location: SFPD Headquarters, 1245 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

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 evidence resulting from investigative activities drawing logical and objective conclusions; prepares written background investigation reports; confers with hiring managers; makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment.

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
• Two (2) years full-time equivalent experience performing employment investigative work in a government or contract investigative agency; AND
• Possession of a valid California driver license.
• Substitution:
  Two (2) years full-time equivalent experience performing criminal investigatory case work which involves suspects or actual violations of criminal laws, rules, regulations within an Investigations Division/Bureau with a Law Enforcement agency may substitute for the required employment work experience outlined above.
• Additional experience as described above may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis. One (1) year is equivalent to thirty (30) semester units / forty-five (45) quarter units.
• Desirable
  
  Qualifications:
  
  
• Law enforcement agency experience
• Knowledge of MS applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written…