Job Description

Background Investigator

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional to conduct comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for both civilian and sworn applicants. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and standards of our department by ensuring that all candidates meet the qualifications and ethical expectations required for public service.

This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.

Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer!

We're an accredited pay equity employer!

Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is Room to Grow! See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule

As a Background Investigator, you will:

• Perform professionally complete and thorough pre-employment background investigations of civilian and sworn applicants for positions with CSPD and complete all required tasks within the established deadlines.
• Identify and investigate applicant behaviors, conduct, or circumstances that may impact suitability for sworn employment, and work with the Senior Background Investigator to determine whether further review or a disqualification recommendation is appropriate.
• Conduct professional interviews of the candidate, references, and contacts.
• Verify the accuracy of the information that has been provided and obtained during the investigation.
• Communicate effectively with candidates during the background process.
• Provide a detailed and unbiased written report to include all pertinent information regarding the suitability of the candidate for the civilian position or position of a police officer.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Background Section and other Human Resources personnel, as well as outside agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and supporting software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Knowledge of investigative processes and procedures
• Ability to prioritize, multitask and maintain a detailed schedule with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Knowledge and ability to access and interpret financial, criminal, employment and educational records
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws regarding pre-employment background investigations including FCRA

Minimum Qualifications:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
• Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field. Preferred experience in a law enforcement or public sector environment.
• Possess or obtain upon hire, a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges.
• Possess or obtain within three months of hire: National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification and Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) Certification.

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of academic coursework specifically related to this position beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Computer based investigative skills experience.
• One year of experience with a law enforcement agency.
• Experience in the public sector.
• Experience with pre-employment background investigations.

Please contact CSPD Human Resources at cspdhiring@coloradosprings.gov for any questions about this position.

Pre-employment Requirements: The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of an extensive background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, extensive background check, fingerprinting, criminal history check, and other pre-employment assessments. The background investigation process commonly takes 6-8 weeks to complete.

Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department's Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

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