Police Investigative Assistant / Background Investigator (Part-Time)

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Police Investigator Assistant, (Part-Time) to perform background investigations for applicants to the Riverside Police Department and do related work, including a broad range of investigations for the department. This recruitment will be used to fill the spot of (1) current vacancy and to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies in the Police Department.

Individuals receiving CalPERS retirement benefits may be subject to reinstatement into active membership if hired into this position. However, under the provisions of AB 1028, reinstatement is generally not required for retired annuitants working in temporary, limited-duration appointments within the established hourly limits (960 hours per fiscal year). Candidates are encouraged to consult directly with CalPERS to understand how post-retirement employment may affect their benefits.
Under general direction of the assigned Department Head and department supervision, to perform a variety of investigative support functions including background investigations for applicants seeking employment with the City of Riverside’s Police Department and related City positions; to review documentation, make recommendations and facilitate investigative follow up on civil and criminal investigations; and to do related work on special projects of limited duration as required.

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

When assigned to perform background and civil investigations:

• Conduct objective background investigations by adhering to POST standards in collecting, collating and disseminating information to assist the department in making appropriate hiring decisions.
• Investigate each applicant in order to assess the suitability for the position sought within the Police Department or other City department, in compliance with City policy.
• Attend scheduled training programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

When assigned to perform investigative support in criminal investigations:

• Review case reports and evidence to make recommendations regarding investigative actions on cold case investigations.
• Make recommendations regarding the disposition of property and evidence related to investigations.
• Schedule and assist with interviews of parties related to investigations.
• Prepare for court testimony; testify in court as necessary.
• Attend scheduled training programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of:

• Workers’ Compensation and municipal liability issues.
• Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines for background investigations.
• Local State and Federal laws pertaining to background investigations.
• Proper documentation for all investigative actions.
• Maintain chain of custody
• Handle and manipulate most firearm types
• Analyze evidence to firearms

Ability to:

• Treat all people with dignity and respect.
• Interact professionally with claimants and witnesses to various claims.
• Interact professionally with applicants and other parties for background investigations.
• Conduct effective, thorough and unbiased investigations.
• Work closely with the Property Unit, Forensic Unit, and Range Staff.
• Basic understanding of firearms operations, firing mechanisms, safeties, conversions, external components (magazines, clips, etc.)
• Perform duties in a professional and ethical manner.

Qualifications

Education : Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree. Up to two years of required education can be substituted with additional experience on a year for year basis. Successful completion of the California POST Background Investigation Course within the last three years.

Experience : Five years of experience in a California Police agency recognized by POST with prior experience in conducting criminal investigations and/or police administrative investigations.

Selection Process

MEDICAL CATEGORY: Group 1

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of an appropriate, valid class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.

Selection Process

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

IMPORTANT : Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and may be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.

NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

Temporary Variable & Full-Time

Employees hired in a temporary position working "variable" part-time hours (less than 30 hrs/week) may be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan offered by the City upon meeting full-time eligibility at the end of their measurement period (12 months). Employees hired in a temporary full-time (more than 30 hrs/week) position will be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan offered by the City upon hire.

All temporary employees are automatically enrolled in a mandatory Deferred Compensation plan in lieu of Social Security. Temporary employees are also eligible for paid sick leave as outlined in the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan, Section 7. Employees may be eligible for CalPERS membership upon hire if they are already a CalPERS member, Tier designation is based on membership date. If no prior CalPERS membership exists, employees must meet CalPERS eligibility requirements before being brought into CalPERS membership.

Closing Date/Time: 10/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Riverside

• 951-826-2392

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