Background Investigator (Special Investigator)

Position Description

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence. We uphold the public trust by being honest and maintaining the highest standards of ethical and moral character.

This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent Special Investigator position with the Police Personnel Section of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

This position is responsible for conducting background investigations of candidates under consideration for Public Safety positions in the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

• Employee reviews background information provided by the candidate and evaluates the veracity of the information and seeks clarification as needed.
• Develops other lines of inquiry by Federal and local guidelines.
• Provides candidates with a variety of forms and evaluates information obtained to determine if additional information is needed.
• Guides applicants through the electronic Statement of Personal History (eSOPH) process.
• Conducts background investigations based on information supplied by candidates
• Fingerprints candidates and queries appropriate criminal information.
• Performs other related functions in support of the applicant hiring process.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary levels for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class).

• Schedules and interviews applicants for Police Department positions; obtains information regarding past employment, residences, and criminal activity; explains the background process to candidates; obtains the necessary release of signatures from candidates.
• Accesses applicable Criminal Justice database records to determine any criminal convictions.
• Develops and reviews comprehensive and confidential background reports which include candidates' work history and other related factors necessary to construct an employment profile.
• Participates as a member of oral interview boards.
• Safely operates a motor vehicle to make in-person visits to other law enforcement agencies, employers, and other areas which are required to complete an in-depth background investigation.
• Assists in planning and coordination for processing of large groups of Police Officer candidates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to conduct in depth pre-employment investigations.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive written investigation reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct interviews with job candidates.
• Knowledge of Federal and local guidelines related to conducting background investigations.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of experience in conducting investigations for a police department or other criminal justice agency, including applicant processing; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTES:

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation. The selectee must provide thorough documentation and pass the background investigation.

This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with previous knowledge and experience:

• Working with a recruitment process for selecting Public Safety candidates both Sworn and Civilian.
• Experience utilizing online background software.
• Experience with Google Suite.