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Background Investigator Level 1 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Investigator Level 1

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

ABOUT THE LEVEL 1 INVESTIGATOR POSITION The CCRB's civilian investigators form the core of the agency's staff and lead everyday functions necessary to fulfill the agency's mission. Level 1 ...

Conduct in-person,one-on-one subject interviews to obtain factual information about the individual ... local level of government; * Must have some Federal Investigator Standards (FIS) Experience;

Conduct in-person,one-on-one subject interviews to obtain factual information about the individual ... local level of government; * Must have some Federal Investigator Standards (FIS) Experience;

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Background Investigator Level 1 information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do background investigator level 1 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for background investigator level 1 in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Background Investigator Level 1, and how can they be addressed?

Background Investigator Level 1 professionals often encounter challenges such as tracking down hard-to-reach references, handling sensitive or confidential information, and meeting tight deadlines for case completion. Effective communication skills and persistence are key to overcoming reluctance from interviewees, while maintaining strict compliance with privacy regulations is essential. Developing strong organizational habits and leveraging digital tools can help manage multiple cases simultaneously and ensure timely, accurate reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Investigator Level 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Investigator Level 1, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of investigative procedures, often supported by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, background screening databases, and compliance tools is commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, discretion, and interpersonal skills help investigators effectively gather information and interact with diverse individuals. These capabilities ensure thorough, accurate investigations and uphold the integrity of security clearance or employment screening processes.

What are Background Investigator Level 1 positions?

Background Investigator Level 1 positions involve conducting entry-level investigations into an individual's background, typically for employment, security clearance, or licensing purposes. These investigators collect and verify information such as employment history, education, criminal records, and references. They often interview subjects and contacts, review documents, and prepare detailed reports on their findings. Level 1 indicates a starting role, usually under supervision, with more straightforward cases and less sensitive information compared to higher-level investigators.
More about Background Investigator Level 1 jobs
What states have the most Background Investigator Level 1 jobs? States with the most job openings for Background Investigator Level 1 jobs include:
Infographic showing various Background Investigator Level 1 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Investigator Level 1

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

636th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

ABOUT THE CCRB:
The Civilian Complaint Review Board ("CCRB") is charged with investigating, mediating, and prosecuting complaints which members of the public file against New York City police officers alleging the use of force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, offensive language, untruthful statements made by officers, and racial profiling and biased policing. The Board consists of 15 members who are appointed by the Mayor, the City Council and Public Advocate or designated by the police commissioner. The Board is responsible for governing the agency. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency. As the largest police oversight agency in the United States, the CCRB currently investigates approximately 4,500 complaints each year.
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION:
Led by the Agency's Chief of Investigations, the CCRB's Investigations Division is comprised of:
- Several General Investigations Squads, tasked with all aspects of investigating cases that fall within the agency's FADO jurisdiction.
- Two Racial Profiling and Bias-Based Policing Squads (RPBP), tasked with investigating cases that fall within the agency's FADO jurisdiction that also include an allegation or suspicion that an officer's action was motivated by a civilian's membership in any of ten protected categories: race, national origin/ethnicity, color, religion, age, immigration or citizenship status, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and housing status.
- A Case Closing Squad, tasked with rapidly completing investigations when the investigator originally assigned to the case is unable to complete the investigation.
- A Special Operations Unit, tasked with functions that support, facilitate, or supplement all investigations, such as conducting intake interviews, collecting evidence, securing documents and body-worn camera footage, and arranging for cases to be mediated.
- A Training Unit, tasked with conducting a comprehensive, multi-week training program for newly hired investigators and providing in-service trainings that prepare Investigators to handle all aspects of their jobs.
Except for the Case Closing Squad and the Training Unit, Level 1 investigators may be assigned to any of the above-mentioned squads or units.
ABOUT THE LEVEL 1 INVESTIGATOR POSITION
The CCRB's civilian investigators form the core of the agency's staff and lead everyday functions necessary to fulfill the agency's mission. Level 1 Investigators are entry-level investigators, responsible for conducting impartial investigations of civilian complaints against the NYPD Members of Service (MOS) alleging police misconduct that falls withing the CCRB's jurisdiction. To conduct these investigations, Investigators will
- Collect, review and analyze evidence,
- Interview complainants, victims, witnesses and Members of Service (aka, police officers);
- Conduct legal research and analysis.
- Draft impartial, concise, and compelling reports that detail all aspects of their investigation. Preparing these closing reports is a substantial and, perhaps, the most critical aspect of an investigator's job. Therefore, the ideal candidate for this position will not only be an excellent writer, but someone that truly enjoys writing.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Receive, manage and impartially investigate a caseload of civilian complaints alleging that NYPD Members of service used excessive force, abused their authority, behaved discourteously, used offensive language, or made false official statements.
- Determine whether complaints fall within the CCRB's jurisdiction.
- Schedule and conduct interviews of complainants, witnesses and officers. (Officers are typically accompanied by their union representatives).
- Identify, secure and analyze evidence, including but not limited to police reports, body-worn camera and other video footage, medical records, and more.
- Analyze and interpret rules, regulations and policies as outlined in the NYPD Patrol Guide.
- Draft detailed transcriptions/summaries of all interviews
- Draft closing reports that concisely describe factual findings, applicable rules, and reasoning for recommended case dispositions, which will be reviewed by CCRB Board members.
- Participate or collaborate in field-investigation activities to identify and gather evidence
What Investigators Receive:
- New investigators undergo intensive multi-week orientation training and are managed by supervisors with investigative and administrative experience. Investigators become knowledgeable about policing in a democratic society, New York City Police Department procedures, legal principles governing use of force, search and seizure, and other relevant aspects of law.
- Comprehensive in-service training
- Challenging and meaningful responsibilities
- Diverse and inclusive work environment
- Mentor assignment and support
- Opportunity for promotions and career advancement
- The full array of collectively bargained for benefits that come with membership in DC 37
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit resume, cover letter and writing sample via the New York City Jobs Portal (https://cityjobs.nyc.gov). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are interested in being considered for General Investigations, RPBP, or both.
INVESTIGATOR (CCRB) - 31165

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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