Item 7 - CONSIDERATION OF JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY GRADE FOR POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATORAGENDA ITEM NO.7
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina I Office of the City Manager
DATE: September 6, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: David Carmany
City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY GRADE FOR POLICE
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Human Resources Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-88 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLICE BACKGROUND
INVESTIGATOR CLASSIFICATION
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City's ongoing process of maintaining its position classification plan, the Human Resources
Department, as needed, reviews class specifications to ensure that our position specifications are in
alignment with current standards, requirements, and qualifications. This review further ensures that the
required skills, knowledge and abilities, and essential functions of each classification are in alignment
with current demands and comparable with similar classifications within the public sector labor market.
Staff surveyed comparable similar classifications in the Los Angeles area. As a result of this evaluation,
staff is recommending establishing a part-time classification of Police Background Investigator which will
better position the City to meet current and future needs.
DISCUSSION:
The Police Department does not have a full-time background investigator position. The Department
utilizes three (3) retired Police Officers, on a part-time basis, to conduct background investigations for
prospective candidates. The current background investigators are classified as Administrative Aides, with
an hourly pay range of $21.31 and $28.75.
The benefits of hiring retired police officers to conduct background investigations include their knowledge
and experience of the policing profession as well as the Police Department's culture and values. Finding
not only qualified candidates, but also those who exhibit personal values consistent with the values of the
organization, enhances the candidate's ability to successfully acclimate to the Department's and the
City's values, and accomplishes the mission of the Police Department of providing the highest levels of
service and protection to the community.
The Department typically processes between 80 and 100 backgrounds (sworn and civilian) per year. For
the fiscal year 2020/2021, the part-time background investigators logged a total of 2,112 hours for
background investigations and processed approximately 100 backgrounds.
The current competitive hourly rate for Background Investigators in Los Angeles County is between
$33.00 and $55.00 per hour. Additionally, contracting background services out to private entities has a
current market cost of $1,500 to $2,200 per background (sworn and civilian). Utilizing the 20-hour
average per background as established above, the hourly cost per background utilizing an outside
background company would be compensated at an hourly rate between $75.00 and $110.00.
Regardless of the hours spent on each background sent out to a private firm, the cost of the background
remains the same.
The disparity in compensation from current industry standards has made it difficult for the City to retain
and attract qualified investigators. In order to continue to provide the highest quality of background
services, and to enhance our ability to retain and attract qualified investigators, the establishment of a
Police Background Investigator position is recommended.
The proposed salary grade for the new position is as follows:
Position Title
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Police Background Investigator
(Part-time/Limited Services)
$40.00
$45.00
$50.00
On August 10, 2022, the Human Resources Commission approved the new job description and salary
grade for the Police Background Investigator position.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the resolution and approved it as to form.
Prepared by: Helen Tran, Director of HR & Risk Management
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:
The actual estimated number of hours is less than the budgeted. Therefore, even with the increase in
rates, there is no impact on the FY22-23 Budget.
FY 2022-23
FY 2022-23
Estimated
Budget
Estimated
Balance
Cost with
New Rates
$80,000
$75,900
$4,100
Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Resolution 2022-88 (Police Background Investigator)
Exhibit A - Proposed Police Background Investigator
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Protect Public Safety
Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Stability
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-88
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLICE BACKGROUND
INVESTIGATOR CLASSIFICATION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA HEREBY FINDS,
DETERMINES, AND DECLARES AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department, as needed, reviews class
specifications and/or pay grades to ensure position specifications and compensation are in
alignment with current demands and comparable with similar classifications within the public
sector labor market; and
WHEREAS, Human Resources Department staff is recommending establishing a
part-time classification of Police Background Investigator, which will better position the City
to meet current and future needs; and
WHEREAS, on August 10, 2022, the Human Resources Commission approved
establishing the Police Background Investigator classification and approved the
specification for the Police Background Investigator set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto
and incorporated herein, and approved the salary grade for the new classification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the establishment of the Police
Background Investigator classification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also desires to approve the specification and salary
grade for the Police Background Investigator classification.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby approves establishing the Police Background
Investigator classification with the specification attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the following new salary grade for
the Police Background Investigator classification:
Classification
Ho rly Pay Range
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Police Background
Investigator
$ 40.00
$ 45.00
$ 50.00
(Part-time/Limited
Services
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
enter the same in the book of original resolutions and it shall become effective immediately.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of September, 2022.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Thomas P. Duarte
City Attorney
Dario Castellanos
Mayor
ATTEST
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2022-88 was duly adopted by the City
Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 6th
day of September, 2022, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
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Exhibit A
PROPOSED
CITY OF WEST COVINA
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
Class Title:
POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR
Bargaining Unit:
NA
Class Code:
POL BCK INV
Salary Grade:
PT XXX
Salary:
$40.00-$50.00
FLSA:
NON-EXEMPT
Date Updated:
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Department's Administrative Division, conducts
background investigations for Police Department candidates, both Sworn and Civilian,
consistent with State and Federal mandates. May also be required to conduct background
investigations for other City Departments as assigned by the Chief of Police.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees of this class.
Not all assigned duties may be listed.
1. Explains policies and procedures to applicants via telephone, email, or in person.
2. Reviews completed background interview forms and checks for completeness,
accuracy, inconsistencies, errors, omissions, and falsifications.
3. Screens candidates to ensure they meet the Peace Officer Standards and
Training(POST) guidelines.
4. Follows local, state, and federal laws, as well as Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
5. Obtains and reviews records and reports from other agencies (such as the FBI,
Department of Justice, and state and municipal agencies) to determine if the
candidate wasa witness, victim, suspect, involved parry, or perpetrator of any crime.
6. Obtains and reviews arrest reports, witness statements, and other documents to
determine if the candidate has the appropriate background to work in the Police
Department.
7. Obtains and reviews credit reports and evaluates financial responsibility.
8. Interviews employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military
personnel, members of the candidate's family, and personal references.
9. Develops second- and third -level references and makes additional inquiries to
assist indetermining credibility of statements.
10. Observes each person being interviewed for the presence or absence of
physical indicators of truthfulness.
11. Prepares a detailed summary of information based upon objective analysis and
evaluation of candidate's background, as well as statements from others contacted
during the course of the background investigation.
12. Prepares detailed and complete statements for each person being interviewed in
order to allow a reviewer to draw reasonable and logical conclusions about the
candidate.
13. Organizes all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.
14. Completes background packages for review and final recommendation.
15. Prepares the final background investigation package for presentation to the
Police Background Investigator- PROPOSED
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Chief of Police.
16. Communicates regularly with management and the candidate to keep them informed
of the status of the background investigation.
17. Measures the candidate's background against job dimensions set forth by the
Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) guidelines.
18. Coordinates his/her schedule to ensure efficient use of time while traveling.
19. Prepare Polygraph packets and coordinate exam with Polygrapher.
20. Prepare psychological exam packets
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge
1. Selection standards as set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training
(POST) guidelines.
2. Confidentiality laws pertaining to personnel records, requests for information from
other departments, the public, or the media regarding candidates.
3. Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity and personal privacy
of candidate background investigation files and all information contained therein.
4. Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may
compromise the integrity of the investigation or investigation file documents.
5. Various technical specialists available to assist in an investigation and when to
request such assistance.
6. Basic principles of police investigation methods and procedures, interviewing and
interrogation techniques.
7. Federal and State Government Code, Labor Code, Americans with Disability Act,
customer service principles, and effective communication skills.
8. Modern office equipment including computer and applicable software.
9. Proper English to include correct spelling and grammar.
10. Sound safety practices.
Required Abilities
1. Read, comprehend, and interpret detailed, complex written material.
2. Prepare clear and concise written reports.
3. Analyze complex ideas and information and present findings in a
succinct, understandable format, both verbally and in writing.
4. Effectively evaluate suitability of a candidate and prepare sound
recommendations based on research and analysis.
5. Simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patterns and relationships,
and develop ideas about past occurrences based on numerous small pieces of
information or evidence.
6. Access information through various computer systems.
7. Compare and interpret information, recognize, and examine discrepancies, and
draw logical conclusions.
8. Manage time effectively to complete work within stringent deadlines; organize,
prioritize, perform multiple tasks, and combine investigations to ensure timely
completion; balance workload and handle several cases concurrently.
9. Use appropriate investigative techniques to capture an accurate image
of the candidate's background.
10. Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with
coworkers, supervisors, management, and the public.
Police Background Investigator- PROPOSED
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11. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with
individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds.
12. Work cooperatively as a part of a team.
13. Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught or uncooperative persons.
14. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills required to discuss matters of a sensitive
and sometimes inflammatory nature with candidates and others contacted during
the course of the investigation.
15. Observe body language when interviewing individuals, detecting signs of truthfulness
and credibility.
16. Conduct interviews in a manner that places people at ease and encourages
cooperation.
17. Keep the interview focused on the material to be covered.
18. Listen, in person and on the telephone, and pay close attention to what is being said.
19. Perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood the question.
20. Rephrase and clarify questions, and follow-up on unanswered questions or conflicting
21. Must be able to work with Outside Jurisdiction (OSJ) Law Enforcement
Background Investigators, reviewing and sharing background files.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and
abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess
the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience as demonstrated by past and
current employment.
Education
Graduation from high school or GED. Must have received a Basic Post Certificate.
Experience
Five (5) years prior law enforcement experience, within the last ten (10) years, expertise in
the area(s) of background investigations for employment, Internal Affairs Investigations, in-
depth investigations of criminal matters, or comprehensive investigations of traffic -related
incidents is desired.
Licenses/ Certificates/ Special Requirements
1. Possession of a Class C California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is
required.
2. Must attend POST Background Investigators School within one (1) year of
Employment; and attend annual updates as provided by the California Background
Investigators Association each year thereafter.
3. Must maintain California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)
Certification and abide by all applicable State and Federal mandates.
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, employee regularly performs extensive and
repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using
a keyboard. The employee is also regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, both in person and
by telephone. The position also requires the occasional need to lift and carry materials and
supplies weighing up to 15 pounds. The employee may also be required to drive a city
vehicle. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, employee regularly performs extensive and
repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using
a keyboard. The employee is also regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, both in person and
by telephone. The position also requires the occasional need to lift and carry materials and
supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee may also be required to drive a city
vehicle. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.