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Police Background Investigator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Police Officer

Clayton, NC ยท On-site

$58K/yr

Police Division: Law Enforcement Patrol Operations Opening Date: 03/01/2026 Closing Date ... background investigations of applicants, helping install or maintain security of technology, and ...

Work Location is Clayton Police Department in Clayton, NC (Johnston County)* The Town of Clayton is ... background investigations of applicants, helping install or maintain security of technology, and ...

Police Officer- Lateral

Holly Springs, NC ยท On-site

$61K - $91K/yr

... background investigations. 10.Inspects scenes of crimes, accident sites, and other appropriate ... Knowledge of police administration including organization, staffing, financing, equipment ...

POLICE OFFICER

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

... background, and applicable certifications/qualifications to determine rank and salary up to $89,128 ... Patrol Operations Criminal Investigations Real-time Information Center Regional SWAT Team Crisis ...

POLICE OFFICER

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

... background, and applicable certifications/qualifications to determine rank and salary up to $89,128 ... Criminal Investigations * Real-time Information Center * Regional SWAT Team * Crisis Negotiations ...

... background investigation, which includes driver's history and criminal history with no felony ... In addition, the UNC Police department requires a polygraph examination. Position involves being ...

... background investigation, which includes driver's history and criminal history with no felony ... In addition, the UNC Police department requires a polygraph examination. Position involves being ...

... background investigation, which includes driver's history and criminal history with no felony ... In addition, the UNC Police department requires a polygraph examination. Position involves being ...

Sound alarms or call police or fire department in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons ... As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a background investigation in ...

Sound alarms or calls police or fire department in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons ... As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a background investigation in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Background Investigator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.6K

$68.2K

$110.8K

How much do police background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for police background investigator in Raleigh, NC is $68,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $82,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police background investigator?

Police Background Investigators are professionals responsible for conducting thorough background checks on candidates applying for law enforcement positions. They verify personal, employment, criminal, financial, and educational histories to ensure applicants meet the agency's standards for integrity and trustworthiness. Their work includes interviewing references, neighbors, and previous employers, as well as reviewing documents and records. The goal is to identify any factors that may disqualify a candidate from serving as a police officer or in related roles.

What is the difference between Police Background Investigator vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice Background InvestigatorPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; sometimes additional certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training; law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, conducting interviews, reviewing recordsField and office; investigating crimes, interviewing witnesses
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, background screening firmsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

While both roles involve law enforcement skills, Police Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and verifying credentials, often in an office setting. Police Detectives investigate crimes, gather evidence, and work in the field. Both require law enforcement training, but Detectives typically have more extensive police academy experience and active law enforcement duties.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police background investigator?

To thrive as a Police Background Investigator, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, and typically a background in criminal justice or related field. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and sometimes certifications in investigative methods or law enforcement are important. Strong attention to detail, discretion, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure thorough, unbiased investigations that uphold departmental standards and public trust.

What are the most common challenges faced by police background investigators during the vetting process?

Police Background Investigators frequently encounter challenges such as incomplete or inconsistent applicant information, uncooperative references, and managing tight deadlines while ensuring thoroughness. Maintaining objectivity and confidentiality is crucial, especially when handling sensitive or potentially disqualifying information. Investigators must also balance the need for detail with efficiency, often coordinating with multiple departments and external agencies to verify records and conduct interviews. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential to successfully navigate these complexities.

What job categories do people searching Police Background Investigator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Background Investigator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Police Background Investigator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Police Background Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Background Investigator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,165 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Police Officer

Town of Clayton, NC

Clayton, NC โ€ข On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 315 E 2nd St, Clayton, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00554
Department: Police
Division: Law Enforcement Patrol Operations
Opening Date: 03/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
This is a repost, all previous referred candidates do not need to reapply and are still under consideration. As a continuous job post applications will be processed as they are received.
* Salary Grade SG202 * *Recruitment Salary Rate: $58,401.00*
* Work Location is Clayton Police Department in Clayton, NC (Johnston County)*
The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for Police Officers within the Clayton Police Department. The Town of Clayton employs more than 340 full-time staff in areas including police, fire, and electric utilities. The Town of Clayton also offers a range of PT positions including positions in Parks & Rec, Library, and Cultural Arts.
The Town of Clayton is the fastest growing town in Johnston County, which is the fastest growing county in the State of North Carolina. The vision for the Town of Clayton includes a thriving town where growth contributes to the quality of life enjoyed by long-time residents and newcomers alike; easy access but with an atmosphere that feels smaller than it is; a system of parks and greenways that connect people and places; neighborhoods with a variety of quality living options; a town that offers opportunities for people to live, create, shop and eat; a bustling and historic downtown, and businesses that are successful, growing, and investing in the community.
Duties & Responsibilities
This position performs a variety of responsible law enforcement work to protect life and property in the Town with duties including but not limited to:
  • Patrols streets in a police car, on foot, by bicycle or other appropriate means; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions, may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
  • Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior, and others needs; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
  • Investigates traffic accidents; issues traffic citations; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities.
  • Performs investigations of accidents and possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; performs investigative tasks; arrests and processes criminal suspects.
  • Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; testifies in court; executes search warrants; serves papers as needed.
  • Regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times or when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require; maintains order at public gatherings.
  • Performs funeral and bank escorts.
  • Operates a radio to receive instructions and information from or to report information to telecommunications.
  • Prepares detailed records and reports of activities.
  • Uses a variety of software programs to prepare incident reports, perform research, check driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, check for outstanding warrants and related research.
  • Performs special projects as assigned by the department such as helping with background investigations of applicants, helping install or maintain security of technology, and helping coordinate in service training.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Performs related duties as required.

Special Requirements, Education & Experience
  • Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances and policies of the police department, especially relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
  • Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
  • Working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment. Some knowledge of scientific criminal detection and identification methods.
  • Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics.
  • Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
  • Ability to communicate clearly over radio and other technology. Ability to operate a computer terminal.
  • Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations. Ability to present effective court testimony.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise activity reports.
  • Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective relations with the citizens, coworkers, other law enforcement agencies, and Town officials.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
  • Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol.
  • Must be able to pass mandatory Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT).

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Graduation from High School or GED equivalent and successful completion of/or enrollment in a NC Basic Law Enforcement training program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
  • Before assignment to sworn duties, employees must possess a valid North Carolina Driver's license and have completed at least the minimum requirement established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for certified law enforcement officers, with possession of a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate.
  • Ability to obtain required certifications.

*SUBMIT OFFICIAL APPLICATION USING THE TOWN'S CAREER WEBSITE*
If you have technical issues submitting your application, please call the NEOGOV (governmentjobs.com) Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the Human Resources Office. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. To check the status of your application, please log on to your NEOGOV account and click "Application Status". It is not necessary to contact the Human Resources Office to check the status of an application. Normal processing time for applications is 30-45 days from the closing date of the posting.
To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders. Degrees must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. Any information omitted from the application cannot be considered for qualifying credit. Attached or incorporated resumes (including Text Resume's on the on-line application) WILL NOT be used for screening for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an on-line application form. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. Effective October 1, 2025, in accordance with North Carolina state law, all applicants for positions that involve working with children in any capacity are required to undergo criminal history record checks conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Credit and motor checks are required for some administrative, finance and operational positions. Applicants will be required to take and pass a Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol screen once they are verbally given a conditional offer of employment. Depending on the position, employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol screens throughout their employment. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
Town of Clayton employees enjoy many benefits including a retirement pension plan, 401K membership, Paid Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave, State Health Plan, and various other benefits. Benefits information can be found by going directly to the Town of Clayton website at:
When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills & abilities, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring salary will not exceed hiring pay range unless approved by the Town Manager.
Applications may be reviewed to determine if applicants education and experience is more applicable to other vacant positions within the Town.
01
If not currently sworn, have you recently graduated from a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program in NC or are you currently enrolled in a BLET program?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you currently a certified sworn law enforcement officer in the State of NC?
  • Yes
  • No

03
This position requires you to work some schedule overtime, weekends and holidays.Would you be able to work when scheduled during these times?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please select the option that best describes your highest education level completed.
  • PhD or Law Degree completed
  • Master's degree completed
  • Bachelor's degree completed
  • Associates degree completed
  • Graduation from High School and some college courses
  • Graduation from High School or GED
  • Attended, but did not complete High School

05
In order to receive credit for the supplemental questions which you have answered, you must provide supporting documentation and/or information related to that question within the body of the application to support your answer. It is critical in our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.Have you provided written information to these appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and documented competencies as they relate to the position you are applying for?
  • Yes
  • No

06
NOTE: If you have started a college degree program, but have not completed it - please make sure that you document the number of Semester HOURS you have completed at your college/university in the Education Section of the Application?(Information Only - no answer to this question is needed).
07
How did you hear about this position?
  • Town of Clayton Website
  • Employee Referral
  • Career / Job Fair
  • Other Social Media Advertisement
  • Other

08
Are you willing to accept the position if offered at the recruitment salary rate$ $58,401.00?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question