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Court Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Police Academy Graduate

Placentia, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Questions suspects, interviews victims and witnesses; books property and evidence; performs basic crime scene investigation; testifies in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations ...

Paralegal - Office Manager

Yorba Linda, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Manage filings in state and federal courts, with significant involvement in federal court ... Perform factual investigation and targeted legal research to support ongoing litigation matters.

Community Compliance Officer

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$5.4K - $7.3K/mo

... court proceedings and provides testimony; deals with illegal vendors selling merchandise in the ... Methods and techniques of municipal code investigations. Applicable laws, ordinance and codes.

Community Compliance Officer

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$5.4K - $7.3K/mo

... court and hearings to present testimony, as required. * Maintains records and reports of ... Methods and techniques of municipal code investigations. * Applicable laws, ordinance and codes.

Showing results 41-60

Court Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.4K

$78.6K

$136.7K

How much do court investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for court investigator in Riverside, CA is $78,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $102,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a court investigator?

Court Investigators are professionals appointed by the court to gather and assess information relevant to legal cases, often in matters involving guardianship, conservatorship, adoption, or child custody. They conduct interviews, review documents, and visit homes to evaluate the circumstances and report their findings to the court. Their reports help judges make informed decisions about the welfare of vulnerable individuals. Court Investigators play a crucial role in ensuring that the best interests of children or incapacitated adults are represented in court proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a court investigator?

To thrive as a Court Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of legal procedures, typically supported by a degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, legal databases, and documentation tools is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, discretion, and effective written and verbal communication help build trust and ensure thorough, unbiased investigations. These skills are crucial for accurately gathering facts, making informed recommendations to the court, and protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals.

What are some of the common challenges a court investigator faces when gathering information for reports?

Court Investigators often encounter challenges such as uncooperative parties, incomplete records, or sensitive family dynamics when collecting information. Navigating these situations requires strong interpersonal skills, objectivity, and discretion to ensure all relevant facts are gathered accurately. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and balancing multiple cases can be demanding, making effective time management and organizational skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Court Investigator vs Bailiff?

AspectCourt InvestigatorBailiff
Required CredentialsTypically requires a background check, sometimes a license or certification depending on jurisdictionOften requires a certification or training, especially for security or law enforcement roles
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, courtrooms, or investigative fieldworkCourtrooms, security posts, or law enforcement settings
Employer & Industry UsageCourts, legal agencies, or government officesCourts, law enforcement agencies, or security firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative roles in courtsUnderstanding security or enforcement roles in courts

While both Court Investigators and Bailiffs work within the judicial system, Court Investigators focus on gathering information, conducting investigations, and supporting legal proceedings. Bailiffs primarily maintain order in courtrooms and ensure security. The roles may overlap in some settings, but their core responsibilities and required credentials differ.

Is it hard to become a court investigator?

Becoming a court investigator typically requires a background in law enforcement, social work, or related fields, along with relevant experience and sometimes certification. The process involves completing specific training, passing background checks, and often gaining experience in investigative or legal environments, which can make the pathway challenging but achievable with proper qualifications.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Court Investigator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Court Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Court Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,584 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Police Academy Graduate

City of Placentia

Placentia, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION THE CITY OF PLACENTIA IS NOW RECRUITING FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER ACADEMY GRADUATE Don't miss out on this exciting and rewarding opportunity to join the City of Placentia Police Department. We currently have vacancies for the position of Police Officer Academy Graduate. An eligibility list will be created from this recruitment to fill vacancies as they occur.

This recruitment will be open continuously and may close at any time without advance notice. You are encouraged to apply immediately. Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, the Police Officer patrols an assigned area, enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations and maintains order, prevents, detects, and investigates crime, responds to emergencies and calls for service, carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property, and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Positions in this class are distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which serves as a first-line supervisor and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift or section. Police officers may be assigned to special assignments, such as motor, traffic, K-9, detective, SWAT, field training officer, jail, bike team, VIP handling, reserves, and similar details. THE ORGANIZATION: At the City of Placentia, we strive to make a difference by continually developing our progressive and innovative workforce.

Our team collaborates to create an environment that promotes diversity, creativity, and respect for all opinions, ensuring better outcomes for the community we serve. The City adheres to a philosophy of continuous improvement and strives to offer employees various professional development opportunities, including citywide leadership academies, Departmental Retreats, professional coaching, and more. If you are interested in a public sector career with an established agency dedicated to improving the way its employees work, develop, and thrive, this position would be an excellent opportunity for you.

Don't Wait; Apply Today. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Enforces federal, state, county, and city laws, regulations, and ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement. Patrols an assigned area of the city, in a patrol vehicle or on foot, in order to detect and prevent crime and maintain law and order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of a special assignment detail. Gives verbal warnings and prepares citations, arrest reports, crime reports, daily observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.

Responds to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life and property and public assistance and appears at crime and scenes of disorder and determines proper course of action; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; observes situations related to stolen cars, traffic violations, and proper flow of traffic. Inspects premises at night and on other shifts; assists in the investigation of crimes; conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, or other types of incidents involving possible violations of public safety laws and codes. Questions suspects, interviews victims and witnesses; books property and evidence; performs basic crime scene investigation; testifies in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; completes field and follow-up investigations.

Takes written statements; examines conditions of accident scenes; clears scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; notes and reports traffic hazards; provides first aid for injured persons or requests medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures. Reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings and assures that proper licenses and permits are in effect. Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; supervises arrestees; and monitors the status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders.

Participates in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs. When assigned to Reserves Detail, tracks and coordinates the scheduling and training of reserve police officers. When assigned to Traffic Detail, enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations.

When assigned to Field Training Officer Detail, organizes, coordinates, and provides officer training in the field related to proper law enforcement surveillance, handling of traffic stops, preparation of departmental reports, and related tasks; completes training records and employee progress reports at regular intervals. Receives, searches, books, fingerprints, and takes custody of prisoners; guards and transports prisoners; provides meals and completes daily records. When assigned to K-9 detail, also assists in searches of suspects and properties; trains animals and conducts exercises in proper pursuit and control methods; feeds and maintains animals in accordance with health and safety standards and prepares related activity records.

When assigned to Detective Detail, conducts crime scene investigations and pursues cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the Court system; conducts covert patrol; writes and executes search warrants; coordinates property and evidence collection with police support staff; and testifies in cases. When assigned to SWAT Detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high-risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety. When assigned to Gang Detail, monitors and investigates associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determines means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; and testifies in cases.

When assigned to School Resource Detail, visits public schools, prepares and makes educational presentations, maintains communications with school officials, works with district staff on attendance and truancy issues, and counsels students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations. Provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, or meetings. OTHER DUTIES: Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the City.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent AND completion of a California Basic Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy within the last twelve (12) months from the date of application submission

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED: Valid, current driver's license. The City reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions for the position, and the City reasonably believes that using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the City. CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED: BASIC Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) certificate For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment is required.

Certification in protective and lifesaving equipment First aid and CPR certification In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria: No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected and freedom from uncorrectable color blindness. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Must be of good character and reputation. May undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position.

Will be administered an integrity test and a polygraph examination. Will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation

Will be fingerprinted and records checked in both State and Federal Bureaus. Must not have a record of conviction of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses. Credit rating, if established, must be satisfactory.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT (Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) Frequently works in outside weather conditions and in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment when assigned to patrol Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, and inclement weather, as well as loud noises such as, but not limited to, sirens, alarms, and diesel engines Use of safety helmets, armored vests, earplugs, utility belts, and other specialized equipment Subject to the threat of injury and life-threatening hazards as part of police safety operations Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls Reach with hands and arms Climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry police safety gear Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, or crawl, as well as walk, sit, and run Talking, hearing, and using smell Pull and carry persons in emergency situations, administer first aid, and fight in self-defense Grasp and carry power and hand tools, and lift, carry, and move persons, equipment, and push, pull, or drag objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus RECRUITMENT PROCESS ***APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH THEIR P.O.S.T. BASIC ACADEMY CERTIFICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.*** All applications will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to, the following: P.O.S.T

Written Examination (PELLETB) with a T-Score of 45 or higher. **Applicants who have written the PELLETB with another agency in the last year and received a T-score of 45 or higher may be eligible to waive this exam by attaching proof of the score to their application. Physical Agility Test Oral Interview P.O.S.T

Background Investigation Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Placentia as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume that describes experience, education, and training in relation to the position's requirements; however, a resume will not be accepted instead of a City employment application. All applications will be reviewed, and only those candidates deemed most qualified based on their education, training, and experience, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, oral interviews and/or written exams, performance tests, and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment-eligible list from which hires may be made. The list is valid for up to one year, or until an insufficient number of candidates remain, unless exhausted sooner.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Placentia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service. The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please get in touch with the Human Resources Office at (714) 993-8141 before the filing deadline.

We will attempt to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request, as reasonably possible. The City of Placentia's Drug-Free Workplace Policy requires that all applicants undergo substance abuse testing prior to employment. The City of Placentia will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history, in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City is concerned regarding a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visitingcalcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/

In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Placentia employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State.