BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR 1764 (Revised 02/10/26)

The City of Los Angeles is hiring a Background Investigator (civilian) to conduct and compile personal and professional background investigations for public safety candidates. The role supports hiring and integrity of public safety staffing by gathering facts, documenting findings, and making recommendations based on investigation results.

• Conduct personal and professional background investigations for public safety candidates.
• Interview employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, family members, and personal references.
• Compile investigative information and prepare written reports of findings.
• Make recommendations regarding background investigation findings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• At higher pay grades, supervise or serve as head worker for staff performing background investigation duties.

• One of the following experience requirements:

  • Five years of full-time paid experience within the last ten years as a California peace officer, including experience in employment background investigations, internal affairs investigations, or in-depth investigations of criminal matters; or
  • 900 cumulative hours of paid experience within the last five years conducting background investigations for public safety positions while employed with the City of Los Angeles.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license at time of filing and maintained during employment.
• DMV record within the last 36 months must not reflect three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, and must not include a conviction of a major moving violation (e.g., DUI).
• Ability to apply confidentiality laws and related principles (e.g., Officer Bill of Rights, ADA, HIPAA) in handling personnel records and requests for information.
• Competencies may include judgment and decision making, attention to detail, fact finding, written communication, interviewing techniques, and investigative techniques related to background investigations.

• Work location: Downtown Los Angeles; field investigations require driving to areas outside of downtown Los Angeles.
• Upon appointment (Personnel Department), must provide an automobile, properly insured, for use in City service; mileage paid at established rates.
• Some initial appointments may be part-time.
• Prior to appointment, a thorough and comprehensive background investigation will be conducted.
• Selection process: online Training and Experience Questionnaire (100%); candidates must complete as instructed to avoid disqualification.
• Benefits notice: for regular positions, health/dental/life coverage generally begins about six weeks after original regular appointment; benefit availability varies by position.
• All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.