APD Background Investigator I

Posting open until 8/14/2026

Salary: $51,035.56 annually 

General Description and Classification Standards

Under the direction of the Atlanta Police Background and Recruitment Commander conducts background investigations of applicants to determine suitability of employment and performs other and related work as required.

Supervision Received

Works under very general supervision. May work independently or with other workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. 

• Conducts thorough and complete background investigations on multiple applicants at one time according to department policies, applicable laws, and procedural requirements 

• Reviews applications/personal history statements (and other documents, as required to determine suitability) for completeness and directs applicants to provide additional information if needed 
• Obtains proper information release documents 
• Conducts investigative interviews of applicants, applicant personal references and applicant employment references 
• Develops and pursues lines of inquiry 
• Gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents 
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies, governments, and professional organizations to obtain and verify information 
• Researches and reviews data from various databases and information systems to verify information and/or check for inconsistencies related to applicant information 
• Prepares memorandums, reports and written summary of findings 
• Analyzes investigation results and draws logical and objective conclusions while conferring with Atlanta Police supervisors and Command Staff 
• Makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment 
• Responds to requests for information, assists outside agencies when appropriately requested to provide background information regarding previous applicants 
• Attends training sessions, seminars and conferences 
• Trains and advises others as required within the Background and Recruitment Unit 
• Travels on a frequent basis during recruiting events to potential applicants 
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Advanced knowledge of screening and interviewing techniques 
• Advanced knowledge of sourcing, recruitment and selection techniques including the use of social media technology
• Advanced knowledge of behavioral interviewing skills and competency-based selection
• Thorough knowledge of relevant governmental/regulatory requirements (EEO, ADA, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills
• Excellent PC skills, including knowledge of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to organize multiple activities which require close attention to detail
• Advance knowledge of interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods/techniques of negotiation
• Thorough knowledge of electronic information systems to access data; principles of identification, and report writing
• Thorough knowledge of record keeping and reporting
• Basic knowledge of computers, modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations
• Advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to the legal requirements of background investigations and hiring practices of applicants

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or GED equivalency from accredited institution
2. One (1) year experience in police support activities.
3. Must meet Atlanta Police Department background investigation requirements
4. Must be willing to travel throughout Georgia & the United States when needed
5. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends when recruiting events dictate

Licensures and Certifications 

None required.

Preferred Requirements

• At least 2 years working in a law enforcement environment 

• Experience conducting investigative background interviews   

• At least 2 years performing applicant employment investigative work in a government or contract investigative agency 

  or 

• Four years experience as a full-time paid peace officer conducting investigations (Completion of a Peace Officers Standards and Training POST approved Background Investigator course preferred)

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.