Civilian Investigative Officer (Part-Time)

Join the Orange Police Department as a Civilian Investigative Officer!

For information on the City of Orange Police Department, click here.

Definition of the Position:

Under general supervision, Civilian Investigative Officers perform a variety of complex activities in administering non-sworn police support services and programs for the City's Police Department; provide comprehensive investigative support on a wide variety of law enforcement programs, projects, and services; respond to public requests and inquiries; and perform related work as required.

The current vacancy exists in the Personnel and Training Unit, and primary duties will consist of conducting background investigations for prospective Police Department employees. This vacancy is a part-time/non-benefitted role, with a typical work schedule comprised of 19 hours/week occurring Monday-Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; however, will include evening, weekend, holiday, and overnight travel based on assignment and the Department's operational needs.

Note: The City also seeks to fill a full-time/benefitted role, with a typical work schedule comprised of 40 hours/week occurring Monday-Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; however, will include evening, weekend, holiday, and overnight travel based on assignment and the Department's operational needs. If you are interested in this full-time/benefitted opportunity, click here to learn more and apply separately.

The Application Process:

The City of Orange is looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in the community they serve by becoming a member of one of the best Police Departments in Orange County. The successful candidates will demonstrate a desire for a career in public service through their education and experience. Those candidates who best meet the needs of the City based on application submission will be invited to participate in the selection process.

The first review of applications will occur upon receipt of 50 applications and the recruitment may close at such time; however, the recruitment will remain open until a sufficient quantity of qualified candidates apply. Because the recruitment may close at any time without notice, interested candidates are encouraged to apply today! It is important that candidates read and become familiar with the job flyer in its entirety as pertinent information is provided here regarding application requirements. All fields of the application must be completed. If a field in the application does not apply, candidates must indicate N/A in that field.

Note: All personnel hired by the Orange Police Department must be permanent and full-time residents of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters.

Automatic Employment Disqualifiers:

We understand that applying for employment requires a substantial amount of time and effort. Before applying for the position of Civilian Investigative Officer, please click here to read the Orange Police Department's list of Automatic Employment Disqualifiers to help you determine if you are eligible to be considered for employment.

The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

When performing background investigation activities:

• Conducts background investigations on prospective non-sworn and sworn employees and volunteers, including issuing and explaining background investigation packets and forms, reviewing information and identifying issues, forming a course of action, and interviewing applicants related to background information.
• Compiles personal and professional reference checks on prospective employees and volunteers, including interviewing employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, members of the candidate's family, personal references, and other relevant sources; maintains confidentiality of information.
• Collects and evaluates information gathered during background investigation; prepares reports on findings and makes objective, sound recommendations regarding a candidate's suitability for employment.
• Maintains contact with prospective employees at various stages of the background investigation process.
• Schedules and coordinates polygraph, medical, and psychological exams as needed.

When performing traffic collision investigation activities:

• Reviews and approves traffic collision reports; recommends changes as appropriate.
• Responds to calls of injury, non-injury, or fatal traffic collisions; investigates traffic collisions and secures collision scenes to ensure accurate information and chain of evidence.
• Directs traffic at collisions, special events, or malfunctioning traffic signals; deploys radar trailers as necessary.
• Issues parking citations; marks and provides for the storage of abandoned vehicles.
• Assists with DUI checkpoints as needed.

When performing checks and fraud investigation activities:

• Provides services to City merchants with regard to dishonored or improper checks.
• Analyzes financial documents and related records to establish loss amounts and methods of operations of suspects.
• Prepares reports and profiles on each case to be filed with the District Attorney.
• Conducts fraud training to the public and financial institutions.

When performing domestic violence investigation activities:

• Gathers suspects and shows photo line-ups to victims for identification of perpetrator.
• Prepares necessary information leading to arrest of suspects when probable cause is present; assists in the preparation of search warrants; prepares and files search warrant returns.
• Takes complaint packages to the District Attorney's office and explains case to the filing District Attorney; researches, reviews, and monitors case status through adjudications.

When performing all assignments:

• Conducts complex investigations, including gathering and reviewing evidence, information, and making recommendations for arrest or disposition of assigned cases; requests forensic staff to process physical evidence.
• Interviews victims, witnesses, suspects, and references to obtain details, admission, and leads; refers victims to appropriate agencies as necessary; coordinates placement of victims in shelters as necessary.
• Provides comprehensive staff support to the Police Department on a wide variety of programs, projects, and services.
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
• Interprets Federal, State and local legislation, policies, laws, codes, and regulations; researches, analyzes, and coordinates their application to the City's operations.
• Participates on a variety of interdisciplinary meetings and represents the City to the community and other organizations.
• Communicates orally, in writing, or through graphic representations, follow-up reports, and statistical summaries with colleagues, managers, employees, the public, organized employee groups, and representatives of various organizations.
• Researches and assembles information from a variety of sources for the preparation of periodic and special reports or the completion of forms; uses spreadsheets and makes arithmetic and statistical calculations.
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, requests for information, and requests for service in person and by telephone, forwarding written complaints against personnel, and coordinating work with other City departments.
• Testifies in court as necessary.
• Performs additional duties as needed in the absence of assigned police support personnel.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Functions, organization, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Police terminology and law enforcement codes.
• Criminal justice process from suspicion to conviction.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies, technical processes, and procedures.
• Basic and complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Conduct complex crime scene investigations.
• Understand the functions, principles, and practices of municipal police services.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues; collect relevant information; evaluate realistic options; and recommend/implement appropriate course of action.
• Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Organize, research, and maintain technical and administrative files.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in public safety support services or a related field.

Three (3) years in a clerical or technical position related to law enforcement or criminal justice, or two (2) years of experience as a sworn police officer.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid California class C driver license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.

Residency Requirement:

All personnel hired by the Orange Police Department shall be a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters. This presumes that a substantial portion of that distance will be traveled at freeway speed and that personnel can report to Police Headquarters within ninety (90) minutes of the request for call back.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, drive on surface streets, and make crime scene investigations; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; vision to read printed materials, a computer screen, and examine evidence; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain and landscapes when performing investigations. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate crime scene investigation related equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and investigate crime scenes. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. May be required to work various shifts, including, but not limited to, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, at a variety of City locations.

Environmental Elements:

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

Disaster Service Worker:

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

City Mission, Vision, and Values:

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence.