POLICE INVESTIGATOR (Non-sworn) Government Job Dept-Police Full Time

The City of National City Police Department currently has two (2) vacancies in the Police Investigator classification: one (1) part-time, one (1) full-time. 

See NOTE below for future wage increases.

THE CITY:  
National City’s multi-cultural population, mild climate and central location make National City a great place to live and work. The City takes great pride in its rich history and traditions, diverse cultures, dynamic and progressive atmosphere, strong community spirit, schools, neighborhoods and vibrant business districts. National City, San Diego County’s second oldest city, is truly “In the center of it all.”  National City is 10 minutes from everywhere and positioned for prosperity, with proximity to the San Diego Bay, US-Mexico border, downtown San Diego, international airport, rail, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities. National City is circled by interstates 5 and 805, and highways 54 and 15. For more information on the City of National City, please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov
 

THE POSITION:

Under direction, the Police Investigator manages cases involving fraud, embezzlement, theft of proprietary information, unlawful access or tampering with computer systems, financial elder abuse, credit cards, non-sufficient funds and account closed checks, forgery, sex crimes, juvenile related crimes and other crimes; to serve as a civilian investigator on assigned cases including performing background investigations on police personnel; and, perform related work.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a civilian, non-sworn classification, reporting to a Police Sergeant or Police Lieutenant. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by other sworn police personnel. This classification is distinguished from the Police Investigative Aide by its responsibility for independent management of caseloads. Incumbents of the Police Investigative Aide classification assist sworn personnel in enhancing their cases prior to submittal to the District Attorney or City Attorney.

NOTE:

• The classification of Police Investigator is scheduled to receive a 3.0% wage increase effective the first full pay period in January 2023 and January 2024.

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Identify, locate and conduct interviews and interrogations of suspects, victims, witnesses, applicants, neighbors, employers, co-workers during investigations to obtain details, information, admissions, and additional leads.
• Obtain necessary documentation from law enforcement agencies and other facts pertaining to investigations.
• Collect and verify information by letter, telephone or personal contact.
• Perform crime scene investigations, including identifying, collecting, preserving and processing physical evidence.
• Evaluate allegations and determine if a criminal investigation is warranted, open investigation, or refer complainant to appropriate agency.
• Conduct surveillance and gather intelligence information.
• Utilize computer systems to access and retrieve information from local, State, and Federal computer databases.
• Prepare and serve search warrants.
• Seize and book evidence into property; prepare and file search warrant returns.
• Initiate the arrest of suspects when probable cause is present, sign criminal complaints and sworn declarations necessary for the issuance of arrest warrants or to support an arrest made pursuant to probable cause.
• Evaluate information retrieved and take appropriate action, assemble printouts into case file for future reference.
• Analyze documents and related records.
• Prepare charts, diagrams, and other visual aids to demonstrate method of operation and linkages.
• Prepare reports, complaints and other necessary documents relating to assigned programs.
• Testify in court.
• Stay abreast of current case law and new investigation and prosecution techniques.
• Assist other investigators and detectives and outside agencies as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

1. Successful completion of a POST-certified Basic Course for Peace Officers or a POST-certified Reserve Peace Officer Level I training course; and an Associate’s degree in criminal justice or administration of justice or 60 units of criminal justice course work to include California Criminal Law, Evidence, and Criminal Procedures (which must include Search and Seizure); OR
2. A Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or administration of justice, which must include California Criminal Law, Evidence, and Criminal Procedures (which must include Search and Seizure) from an accredited University or College; AND
3. Two (2) years of experience performing criminal investigative duties in a private investigative, law enforcement, public defender or other investigative agency. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION):

• Proof of degree/transcripts, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Copy of your POST-certified Basic Course for Peace Officers or your POST-certified Reserve Peace Officer Level I training course, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.  
• Resume

Knowledge and Skills in: California rules of evidence; California Penal Code; search and seizure laws; basic statistics; law enforcement information systems; personal computer functions; investigative techniques and procedures; investigative confidentiality requirements.
 
Ability to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; effectively interview individuals to obtain necessary information; collect and verify information by letter, telephone, and/or computer records; maintain logs, records, and files; identify problems and detect missing information, discrepancies, and errors; utilize and operate office and computer equipment necessary to perform work; establish effective working relations with all levels of staff and the public; treat City employees, representatives from outside agencies, and members of the public with courtesy and respect; work under minimal supervision.

Based upon a review of applications received, those applicants who best meet the requirements indicated above will be invited to continue in the selection process. A short list of the most qualified candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for consideration.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview. Please ensure your contact information is current in your govermentjobs account or you may miss employment opportunities. In addition to completing the online application, candidates must attach a resume highlighting their relevant education and work history. 

NOTE: Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation including fingerprinting, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and a thorough medical examination. There are certain types of conduct, which will be automatic grounds for disqualification. Please read the information on the Potentially Disqualifying Criteria to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause a delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

For a list of Potentially Disqualifying Criteria, click here.