Background Investigator-Champaign Police Depart...

CHAMPAIGN, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from the City of Champaign, as it is posted by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) but clearly states the position is with the Champaign Police Department and City of Champaign.

• Job overview

  The Background Investigator role with the Champaign Police Department involves conducting thorough investigations of candidates for sworn and civilian positions to ensure qualified hires, impacting the department's integrity and community safety.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The investigator reviews applicant background packets, conducts interviews via various methods, checks for inconsistencies, participates in recruitment, and maintains detailed records and reports to support hiring decisions.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers a starting salary range of $59,781 to $68,055 depending on qualifications, plus excellent fringe benefits including paid leave, health, life, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans through IMRF, and flexible spending accounts.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, extensive law enforcement or investigative experience within the last ten years, knowledge of investigative methods and relevant laws, strong communication skills, and a valid driver's license; preferred qualifications include a degree in criminal justice, prior background investigation, and public sector law enforcement experience.

• Work environment and culture

  The City of Champaign values personal integrity, responsibility, respect, teamwork, and results, promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment aligned with community partnership.

• Company information

  The City of Champaign is committed to responsive and cost-effective public service, supporting diversity and inclusion, with a mission to serve the community effectively.

• Job location and travel

  The job is full-time, on-site in Champaign, Illinois, with requirements for occasional travel, night, weekend, and overtime work as needed.

• Application process

  Applicants should apply by July 6, 2025, for first consideration, with the position open until filled; drug screening, driving record check, and criminal background investigation are required.

• Unique job features

  The role is distinguished by its integral part in public safety hiring, requiring certifications like L.E.A.D.S. and N.C.I.C., and the opportunity to impact community policing through thorough candidate vetting.

Company overview

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is a professional association founded in 1976 to address the unique needs and concerns of Black law enforcement executives and to promote equity in the administration of justice. NOBLE provides leadership development, advocacy, and training programs for its members, while also working to improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The organization generates revenue through membership dues, conferences, sponsorships, and educational initiatives. NOBLE has played a significant role in shaping national discussions on policing, diversity, and criminal justice reform. Candidates should be aware of NOBLE’s longstanding commitment to social justice, professional excellence, and community engagement within the law enforcement sector.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your extensive law enforcement or private investigation experience within the last ten years, emphasizing your knowledge of investigative methods and techniques relevant to background investigations.

• Focus on showcasing your exceptional oral and written communication skills, your ability to handle confidential information with integrity, and your familiarity with local, state, and federal laws related to background checks for both sworn and civilian positions.

• Apply through multiple platforms including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) corporate website, the City of Champaign official job portal, and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.

• Connect with current or former Background Investigators or HR personnel at NOBLE or the Champaign Police Department on LinkedIn; open conversations with ice breakers like asking about their experience in conducting background investigations or their insights on the department’s hiring process.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'background investigation,' 'law enforcement experience,' 'confidentiality,' 'L.E.A.D.S. and N.C.I.C. certification,' and 'investigative techniques' to pass initial screening systems.

• Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple job boards, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you time and enhancing your job search effectiveness.