Do you have experience in law enforcement or private investigation? Are you looking for an opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful and impactful way? If your answer is “yes,” then consider applying today to be a Background Investigator with the Champaign Police Department. This position is currently authorized for two years from the date of hire.Responsibilities of Position
Our Background Investigator serves an integral role in hiring members of the Champaign Police Department and other City Departments. They conduct thorough investigations to evaluate potential candidates for sworn and civilian positions within the department and the City. This includes reviewing applicant background packets; collecting information about applicants through in-person, mail, email, virtual, and telephone interviews with applicants, employers, family members, references, etc.; critically reviewing details for omissions, inconsistencies, and areas in need of further clarification; participating in police officer recruitment; and creating and maintaining detailed records and reports.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Extensive law enforcement and/or investigative experience within the last ten years.
- Or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding background checks for civilian and sworn positions.
- Availability to travel out of the local area and work nights/weekends, overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary.
- Current valid state-issued driver’s license and good driving record.
- Possess or be able to obtain, within the approved timeframe, and maintain L.E.A.D.S. and N.C.I.C. certification.
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and protection of confidential information in compliance with privacy laws and requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- An associate or bachelor’s degree with coursework in criminal justice or a related field.
- Prior background investigation experience.
- Prior public sector law enforcement experience.
Drug screening, driving record check, and criminal background investigation will be required. The annual starting salary range is $59,781 - $68,055, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. For first consideration, apply by Sunday, July 6, 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled.
The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.
Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.
These values guide our work:
Personal IntegrityWe act in the best interests of the CityWe behave in an ethical and legal mannerWe are open and honestWe follow through on commitmentsWe are loyal to the City
ResponsibilityWe anticipate issues, problems, and opportunitiesWe take initiativeWe act to prevent and solve problemsWe take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisionsWe hold ourselves and others accountable
RespectWe treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable mannerWe actively listen and seek understandingWe provide a direct responseWe embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplaceWe are positive and cooperativeWe are willing to apologize
TeamworkWe know and respect our roles and responsibilitiesWe ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriatelyWe define and agree upon the goalsWe collaborate to achieve organizational goalsWe help others accomplish their goalsWe share authority, responsibility, and credit
ResultsWe take pride in our workWe complete assignments and projects on time and within budgetWe evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performanceWe learn from our mistakesWe innovate