Background Investigator

Job Information

Overall Purpose

The Background Investigator is responsible for conducting pre-employment screening of police recruits, experienced officers and civilian candidates which entails verifying character and background of candidates, supporting candidate assessment and selection processes.

Major Responsibilities

• Verify the personal, professional, and criminal history of police applicants, including verifying educational credentials, employment records, and references.
• Collect, analyze, and verify necessary documents such as fingerprints, criminal background checks, driving records, and financial history
• Conduct interviews with the candidates, family members, neighbors, employers, and personal references to assess the candidate’s character and suitability for a career in law enforcement
• Perform in-person visits to residences, workplaces, and educational institutions to cross-check information and confirm background details.
• Compile detailed and accurate reports, notes, audio files summarizing findings, observations, during the background screening process
• Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with sensitive personal and investigative information.
• Prepare a confidential candidate screening report summarizing information identified during the background investigation; provide assessment as to the suitability of the candidate with Ottawa Police Service and the ability of the prospective recruit to meet the competency requirements of the Constable Selection System; and/or the ability of the individual to hold a career in law enforcement environment.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

N/A

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education

Graduation from a relevant two (2) year College program (Police Foundations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, etc.). 

Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated educated requirements. 

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years experience as a Police Officer within the province of Ontario including two (2) years investigative experience

OR

•  Five (5) years of Labour Relations / Workplace Investigations / Employment Screening experience.   

Language

• English – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.

Certifications and Licences

• Possess and maintain valid Ontario or Quebec Provincial Driver’s License.   

In service Training

• The following mandatory training and education is provided to all employees of the OPS: 
  • Occupational Health & Safety. 
  • Respectful Workplace.  
  • Violence in the Workplace. 
  • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). 
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Towards Authentic Inclusion Course).
• All Background Investigators are required to attend and successfully complete the Employment Screening Training as provided by the Sworn Recruitment section prior to the assignment of any Background Investigation Files. 

Job Knowledge

• General knowledge of: 
  • The Organization’s Mission, Vision and Values. 
  • The Ottawa Police Service’s organizational structure and hierarchy. 
  • Applicable provincial legislation such as the Human Rights Code; Police Services Act; Employment Standards Act; Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and any other applicable employment legislation. 
• Working knowledge of: 
  • MS Word. 
  • Investigative techniques. 
  • Constable Selection System. 
  • Competency interview techniques. 

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work is performed through onsite visits requiring driving.  

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading, and writing fluency in French or other languages. 
• Previous HR Staffing experience 
• Additional courses and training in: 
  • Interview / Interrogation course. 
  • Source Development Course. 
  • Open Source Intelligence Search. 
  • Fair and Impartial Policing.  
  • Respectful Workplace. 
  • Hire Immigrants Ottawa Cross Cultural Competency or comparable training. 
  • Training respecting Bias Awareness.