CIVILIAN INVESTIGATOR

Position Scope

Embrace the New - Do Right - Lend a Hand - Find a Way - Enjoy our Work - Celebrate Uniqueness

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the direct supervision of a Traffic Unit Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Hiring Manager or Criminal Investigations Sergeant, performs and participates in the daily operations of the police department to include the investigation of person crimes, property crimes, financial crimes, missing persons, backgrounds, cold cases and traffic related incidents.

Brief Description: This position is to provide a variety of duties related to law enforcement and crime prevention. This is accomplished by performing reasonable investigative work processing and finalizing a variety of criminal cases. Other duties may include completing related tasks as assigned.

This position is distinguished from a Police Officer by the fact that the employee is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, does not respond to in-progress incidents, does not have unsupervised in-person contact with suspects, and does not make arrests. Civilian Investigators supplement and support investigations. The goal is for those who fill these positions to perform administrative tasks, follow up on leads, and interview witnesses. These positions will work closely with detectives to build cases, write warrants, write reports and assist with submitting cases for prosecution.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Authors original and supplemental Incident Reports.
• Conducts follow-up phone calls, emails, and in-person contacts with members of the public, law enforcement, and various investigative partners.
• Collects data or information from various sources.
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies, investigative leads, etc. for additional information, utilizing automated systems to research criminal history and conduct background checks.
• Conducts non-suspect interviews and may monitor suspect interviews at the request of a detective or supervisor.
• Contacts suspects by phone when authorized by a supervisor or when accompanied by a sworn officer.
• Creates and reviews Court Orders and Search Warrants and completes required paperwork.
• Creates investigative support material.
• Drives unmarked police vehicles for investigative or administrative purposes.
• Reviews various reports on impounded evidence for the purpose of property purges, crime analysis, pending lab results.
• Assists investigative supervisors with various responsibilities in the Records Management System (RMS).
• Impounds property or evidence.
• Produces reports, forms, and paperwork that are used to file misdemeanor or felony charges against suspects.
• Creates, updates, or maintains spreadsheets, timelines, or other digital records.
• Attends court hearings for the purpose of testifying to job duties including but not limited to investigations, reports, etc.
• Keeps current in police methods, investigative trends, and subjects related to assigned area.
• Manages, prioritizes, and organizes an investigative caseload.
• Works with law enforcement and various investigative partners.
• May conduct background investigations for prospective sworn police Department employees
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Position Requirements

Education and Experience:
Five years of investigative experience in law enforcement, public safety, loss prevention, crime scene management, forensics, or other relevant legal or private sector field and high school diploma or GED; OR Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

NECESSARY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures
• Buckeye Police Department Operations Orders
• Administrative Regulations
• Personnel Rules
• Manuals for the assigned bureaus
• Statutes and ordinances relating to the assigned bureau

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work
• Communicate in the English language with the public by phone or in person in a one-to- one or group setting
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language
• Produce organized thoughts using proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment
• Move objects weighing 50 pounds or less short and long distances
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements
• Remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time
• Work cooperatively with a sworn supervisor, who reviews work through direct observation, reports, meetings, and results achieved
• Learn job-related material through structured lecture, reading, oral instruction, and observation. This learning takes place in an on-the-job training or classroom setting
• Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar
• Work cooperatively and effectively with all segments of the public while remaining calm, decisive, and diplomatic in stressful situations
• Learn the geography of the City; police methods, practices, and procedures; and statutes and ordinances related to the area of assignment
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards
• Ability to travel across a variety of surfaces and elevations
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others
• Operate a computer utilizing a keyboard or other device

12-Month Goals:

• Conduct Thorough Investigations - Gather, analyze, and document evidence in cases such as fraud, theft, or administrative investigations to support law enforcement efforts.
• Enhance Case Efficiency - Assist in reducing case backlog by handling non-criminal or lower-priority investigations, allowing sworn officers to focus on urgent matters.
• Ensure Compliance and Accountability - Review policies, procedures, and internal investigations to ensure the agency follows legal and ethical standards.
• Utilize Technology and Data Analysis - Leverage digital forensics, surveillance footage, and crime data analytics to identify trends and support case resolution.

Additional Information

Must successfully pass a pre-employment screening to include a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, and psychological and medical exam.

Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Some positions require the use of City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

Use of personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

Appointment to positions in the Police Department are subject to meeting appropriate insurance coverage.
Some positions will require the performance of other essential functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.

The City of Buckeye recognizes years of service from other municipalities and state organizations which can be credited towards vacation accrual.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Employee Benefits & Wellness

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time classified and management employees. Part-time classified employees may be eligible for select benefits where defined.

For complete Benefit Plan & Wellness Information, please visit the City website at:
Benefits & Wellness

City benefit plans are subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 3/19/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

• 

• City of Buckeye, AZ

• 623-349-6000

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