Background Investigator - Public Safety Civilian

Position Overview

This civilian professional role sits within the Human Resources Division and does not require TCOLE certification or peace officer licensure. The selected person will carry out detailed pre-employment background investigations for applicants to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, reviewing and validating sensitive personal, criminal, financial, employment, and educational information to determine whether candidates are appropriate for a public safety setting.

The investigator will use departmental hiring standards, applicable TCOLE rules, and county and agency policies to prepare thorough investigative findings and recommendations for supervisory and command review. A key part of the role is helping safeguard the integrity of the agency by ensuring every applicant is assessed consistently, fairly, legally defensibly, and in strict confidence.

Key Duties

• Carry out impartial background checks for assigned applicants in line with department and section procedures.
• Work within required timelines while confirming employment history, academic credentials, criminal records, and other relevant background details, including a full credit review.
• Handle background investigations for applicants who are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Collect, sort, and summarize key information such as criminal and work history to build complete reports for review by Background Investigations Sergeants.
• Record and update candidate information in law enforcement systems while protecting accuracy and confidentiality.
• Build and preserve detailed case files according to departmental policy.
• Coordinate background-related information sharing between internal divisions, bureaus, and outside law enforcement agencies.
• Attend roll call meetings when required.
• Care for county-issued tools and inventory as instructed.
• Represent the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in a professional and positive manner at all times.
• Follow all contractual obligations and comply with relevant laws and policies for contract investigators.
• Keep sensitive information confidential and handle it in accordance with state and federal rules.
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Notes

This job description is not exhaustive. Management may add to or change duties and responsibilities at any time based on operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following pathways:

Civilian Professional Investigator Pathway (preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline; or
• Associate’s degree in a related field plus two additional years of directly related law enforcement investigation experience.
• At least two years of experience conducting background investigations, internal investigations, compliance reviews, or suitability assessments in a law enforcement setting.
• Experience confirming criminal history, financial responsibility, employment records, education, and personal references.
• Experience drafting written investigative summaries or reports for supervisory or executive review.

Prior Peace Officer Pathway (experience-based equivalency)

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least five years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience.
• Experience in investigations, internal affairs, recruiting, training, background investigations, or similar work involving personnel evaluation or suitability decisions.

Previous peace officer experience may substitute for college education, but the position remains a civilian staff role and does not require active peace officer certification.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Ongoing compliance with Harris County Sheriff’s Office employment standards.
• Eligibility for access to criminal justice information systems and law enforcement databases (CJIS).
• Completion of required background investigator training, CJIS compliance training, and continuing education as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of background investigation methods, ethical practices, and public safety hiring standards.
• Familiarity with criminal history systems, credit reporting, and verification of employment and education.
• Knowledge of confidentiality laws, CJIS security rules, and data protection requirements.
• Ability to assess behavior patterns, credibility, and risk factors tied to law enforcement or detention suitability.
• Ability to apply agency hiring criteria and regulatory standards when judging applicant fitness.
• Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Clear written communication skills for producing detailed, defensible reports.
• Ability to conduct professional, objective interviews, including sensitive conversations.
• Capacity to manage several investigations at once and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain discretion and professionalism when dealing with highly sensitive information.
• Comfort using standard office tools and law enforcement or HR information systems.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Knowledge of CJIS compliance and data security standards.
• Experience with sworn, detention, cadet, lateral, or reserve background investigations in a law enforcement agency.
• Hands-on use of OPEN FOX, LOOK, DIMS, JOTS, HC LENS, or Superion/RMS.
• Formal training or certification in background investigations or workplace investigations.
• NACOLE background investigator training.
• ATAP training.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
• SHRM Workplace Investigations Certificate or similar HR investigation training.
• Prior formal training in suitability assessments for law enforcement or public safety agencies.

Work Location and Schedule

5749 S. Loop East, Houston, TX 77033.

This is a full-time onsite role. Standard hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., although schedules may change based on departmental needs. The work environment is a normal office setting with standard lighting, temperature, and air conditioning.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable federal and state law.

Disclaimer

This posting is not intended to list every duty, responsibility, or contractual obligation. The Sheriff’s Office may assign or revise duties at any time as needed in line with agency needs and contractual terms.