About the Department

This is a civilian, non-TCOLE-certified position and does not require peace officer licensure.

The Background Investigator is a civilian professional staff position within the Human Resources Division responsible for conducting comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for all applicants seeking employment with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This position independently gathers, verifies, analyzes, and documents sensitive personal, criminal, financial, employment, and educational information to assess applicant suitability for employment in a public safety environment.

The Background Investigator applies departmental hiring standards, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements where applicable, and county and agency policies to prepare detailed investigative reports and recommendations for supervisory and command-level review. This position plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of the agency by ensuring that all candidates are evaluated in a fair, consistent, legally defensible, and confidential manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct fair and impartial background investigations on assigned applicants, adhering to all applicable Departmental and Section Policies and Procedures.
Ensure timely processing of all applicants while verifying employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant background information, including a detailed credit check.
Conduct background investigations specifically for all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensed applicants.
Extract and organize pertinent information, including but not limited to criminal history and employment history, to generate comprehensive reports for review by the Sergeants in Background Investigations to assess applicant suitability.
Enter and maintain candidate background data in law enforcement databases while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of all records.
Create and maintain detailed background investigation files in accordance with departmental policies.
Facilitate and coordinate the exchange of background information between internal divisions, bureaus, and external law enforcement agencies.
Attend all Roll Call meetings as required.
Maintain county-issued equipment and inventory as directed or required.
Represent the Harris County Sheriff’s Office professionally and positively at all times.
Adhere to all contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies governing contract investigators.
Investigators are required to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Performs other assignments and duties as required and/or necessary.

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Position Duties

Education / Training / Licensure

This is a civilian (professional staff) position and does not require or confer Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensure. Applicants are not required to be peace officers.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

A) Civilian Professional Investigator Pathway (Preferred)

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
OR
Associate’s degree in a related field plus two (2) additional years of directly related Law Enforcement Investigation experience.

Experience:

Two (2) or more years of experience conducting background investigations, internal investigations, compliance reviews, and suitability assessments in a Law Enforcement environment.
Experience reviewing and verifying criminal history, financial responsibility, employment records, education, and personal references
Experience preparing written investigative summaries or reports for supervisory or executive-level review

B) Prior Peace Officer Pathway (Experience-Based Equivalency)

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience.
Experience in investigations, internal affairs, recruiting, training, background investigations, or other assignments involving personnel evaluation or suitability determinations.

Prior peace officer experience may be considered in lieu of college education; however, the position remains a civilian professional staff role and does not require active peace officer certification.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Must meet and maintain all Harris County Sheriff’s Office employment standards.
Must be eligible for access to criminal justice information systems and law enforcement databases (CJIS).
Must successfully complete all required background investigator training, CJIS compliance training, and continuing education as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of background investigation principles, ethical standards, and best practices related to public safety employment.
Knowledge of criminal history systems, credit reporting processes, and employment and education verification methods.
Knowledge of confidentiality laws, CJIS security requirements, and data protection standards.
Ability to evaluate patterns of behavior, credibility, and risk indicators related to law enforcement and detention suitability.
Ability to apply departmental hiring standards, policies, and regulatory requirements in assessing applicant fitness.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with sound professional judgment.
Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, thorough, and legally defensible investigative reports.
Ability to conduct professional interviews, including sensitive or difficult discussions, neutrally and objectively.
Ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously while meeting established timelines.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling highly sensitive personal information.

Proficiency in standard office software and law enforcement or HR information systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of CJIS compliance requirements and data security standards.
Prior experience conducting sworn, detention, cadet, lateral, or reserve background investigations within a law enforcement agency.
Experience using OPEN FOX/LOOK/DIMS/JOTS/HC LENS, Superion/RMS.
Formal training or certification in background investigations or workplace investigations.
NACOLE (National Association of Correctional Law Enforcement) background investigator training.
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) training.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
SHRM Workplace Investigations Certificate or similar HR investigation training.
Prior formal training in suitability determinations for law enforcement or public safety agencies

Other Qualifications

Location:

5749 S. Loop East, Houston, TX 77033

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; hours may vary based on the department's business needs.

Normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning.

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or contractual obligations. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, as needed, in alignment with agency needs and contractual terms.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Benefits

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as a defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Life Insurance
Long-term disability
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
Paid Parental Leave
Professional development opportunities
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Healthcare Reimbursement Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
  - Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Medical.aspx

Supplemental Questions

Employees of the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are exposed to confidential and law enforcement sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. For this reason, you must provide accurate information in all aspects of the process. The process will end for applicants who fail to provide truthful information.

The following questions address information required to start the pre-qualifying requirements of the recruitment process. All information obtained herein will be used for purposes of initiating a background investigation only. Additional questionnaires will be required at later stages of the application process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

I have read the above statement and understand that by submitting this application I agree to be subject to a background investigation including but not limited to education, employment, driving record, criminal history, financial responsibility, or any such areas of investigation deemed reasonable and justifiable for purpose of employment with the HCSO.

What is your highest level of education as it applies to this position?
Please attach a copy of your degree.

Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
Master's Degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Associate's degree in another field of study
Bachelor's degree in another field of study
Master's Degree or higher in another field of study
Not Applicable

Which of the following best describes your years of experience conducting background investigations, internal investigations, compliance reviews, and suitability assessments in a Law Enforcement environment?

Two (2) years, but less than three (3) years
Three (3) years, but less than four (4) years
Four (4) years or more
Not Applicable

Which of the following best describes your years of experience reviewing and verifying criminal history, financial responsibility, employment records, education, and personal references?

One (1) year, but less than two (2) years
Two (2) years, but less than three (3) years
Three (3) years, but less than four (4) years
Four (4) years or more
Not Applicable

Which of the following best describes your years of experience preparing written investigative summaries or reports for supervisory or executive-level review?

One (1) year, but less than two (2) years
Two (2) years, but less than three (3) years
Three (3) years, but less than four (4) years
Four (4) years or more
Not Applicable

Which of the following best describes your full-time sworn law enforcement experience?

Five (5) years, but less than six (6) years
Six (6) years, but less than seven (7) years
Seven (7) or more years
Not Applicable

In reference to the previous question, do you have experience in investigations, internal affairs, recruiting, training, background investigations, or other assignments involving personnel evaluation or suitability determinations?

Please describe your relevant experience in investigations, internal affairs, recruiting, training, background investigations, or other roles involving personnel evaluation or suitability assessments.
If this does not apply to your experience type, NA

Do you agree to the following additional requirements?
** Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.
** Must meet and maintain all Harris County Sheriff’s Office employment standards.
** Must be eligible for access to criminal justice information systems and law enforcement databases (CJIS).
** Must successfully complete all required background investigator training, CJIS compliance training, and continuing education as directed.

Regarding this position, do any of the following statements apply to you?
Click all that apply.

Knowledge of CJIS compliance requirements and data security standards.
Prior experience conducting sworn, detention, cadet, lateral, or reserve background investigations within a law enforcement agency.
Experience using OPEN FOX/LOOK/DIMS/JOTS/HC LENS, Superion/RMS.
Formal training or certification in background investigations or workplace investigations.
NACOLE (National Association of Correctional Law Enforcement) background investigator training.
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) training.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
SHRM Workplace Investigations Certificate or similar HR investigation training.
Prior formal training in suitability determinations for law enforcement or public safety agencies
Not Applicable

An Applicant must be willing to accept any assignment or shift within the Sheriff's Office, including working on weekends and holidays, as well as additional shifts as needed.
Are you willing to work any shift or hours assigned to you?

Please provide your full name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name (no initials)

Please provide your date of birth.

Please provide your place of birth
(city, county, state, and country)

Please provide your Social Security Number (SSN)

Please provide your current driver's license or state-issued ID number, state, and expiration date.
If you do not have a driver's license please enter N/A.

Have you ever....?
Please select all that apply.

Been Convicted of a felony
Been accused/charged with a felony that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
Been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, or the equivalent
Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent within the last 10 years
Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent over 10 years ago from today's date
Been accused/charged with a Class B misdemeanor or equivalent that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forcesNone of the above
Not Applicable

Please explain your answer below. Include the type of offense, date charged and date of discharge.
Type "N/A" if not applicable

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has a strict policy on drug usage. If selected you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screening. All HCSO employees are also subject to random drug testing during their employment.

Please answer the following drug use-related questions truthfully, the admittance of past drug use will not necessarily prevent you from future employment with the HCSO.

I acknowledge the HCSO has a strict drug use policy and that I will be subjected to a drug screening at some point in the recruitment process.

Have you ever sold/distributed illegal substances? (e.g. marijuana, prescription drugs, crack, meth, etc.)

Yes
Never

If you answered yes, please explain what kind of illegal substance you sold/distributed and the date you last did.
If you answered "never", please type N/A.

Have you ever used any form of marijuana?

If yes, please explain and provide the date (day, month, and year) of the last time you used marijuana.
Type "N/A" if not applicable.

How many times have you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you?

Once
2 or 3 times
4 or 5 times
6 or 7 times
8 or 9 times
10 or more times
Weekly
Monthly
Never

When was the last possible date that you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you? Provide a specific date or at least month and year
Type "N/A" if not applicable

Have you ever used any of the following drugs?
(Select all that apply)

Speed (Crystal meth, meth, crank, etc.)
Cocaine
LSD
X.T.C. (Ecstasy)
Heroine
Steroids
Opium
Other illegal substances
None of the above

If yes, please list the substance used and the last possible date (day, month, year) you used any form of illegal drugs.
Type "N/A" if not applicable

Submitting a complete application is the key to successful recruitment. Please read the following requirements carefully and ensure you have provided/documented all required information.

1) A complete employment history is required to be eligible for consideration. Your application's "Employment History" section must include all work history for the past 7 years or all available work history if you have been working for less than 7 years. Begin with your current (or most recent) job. Include full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, military assignments, and unpaid internships.
Periods of unemployment between jobs should also be listed. Type "Unemployed" in the employer's box and list the dates you were unemployed.

2) Complete education history is required. The "Education History" section must list all High Schools attended, as well as all Colleges or Universities if applicable. List the name of the school, location (city and state), and dates attended.

SUBMITTING AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION OR EVEN DISQUALIFICATION.

I have reviewed my application and verified I have completed all required "Employment History" on this application.
I have reviewed my application and verified I have completed all required "Education History" on this application.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Harris County Sheriff's Office
Address: 5749 South Loop East

Houston, Texas, 77033
Phone: 713-877-5250
Website: https://www.harriscountyso.org

Background Investigator - Public Safety Civilian