PROFESSIONAL STAFF INVESTIGATOR

Recruitment #2306-6210-001

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Introduction

The Tucson Police Department is excited to announce the new position of Professional Staff Investigator (PSI). PSIs are non-commissioned criminal investigators. They do not have arrest powers. They will work alongside police detectives investigating criminal incidents, conducting follow-up, collecting evidence, preparing reports and developing probable cause. They will work under the supervision of a police sergeant.

This is an excellent opportunity to work for the Tucson Police Department. It is critical that candidates be aware and consider the following job elements before submitting an application:

  • Incumbents will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  • Overtime will be required as necessary.
  • The training process is extensive; incumbents will attend an academy that is 7 weeks long and will be required to complete 12 weeks of field training.
  • The probation period is 18 months.
  • Work is fast-paced and often stressful. It requires the ability to adjust quickly to changing job assignments and the ability to safeguard confidential information.
  • Incumbents will often be exposed to highly sensitive and graphic content to include written documentation, photos and other evidence collected as part of investigative reports.
  • This position requires the ability to safely drive both sedan and SUV-type vehicles during daylight and nighttime hours. This requirement also includes times of inclement weather.
For a full description of benefits offered to eligible employees, or to inquire further about the City of Tucson's benefits options, please click on the View Benefits link above. 

This position is not intended for retired Tucson Police Department personnel. Retired City of Tucson personnel are not eligible to accept full time employment without forfeiting certain retiree benefits.

The Hiring Process:

1. Complete City of Tucson Application by 5:00 pm on July 24, 2023.

2. Complete Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire by 5:00 pm on July 24, 2023: https://tpdjobs.tucsonaz.gov/recruiting_prof_staff_investigator/

3. Invitations to sign up for to the written exam will be sent via email by August 4, 2023.

4. If you pass the exam you will be notified by TPD HR and will continue with the next steps (hiring interviews TBD).

5. Contact from TPD Backgrounds to fill out your ESoph background information.

6. Extensive Background Investigation and Selection Process.

7. If you pass the Background Investigation and the Selection Process, you will be sent a conditional job offer.

8. Medical examination and drug screen.

9. If you pass the medical & drug screen, you will be sent a final job offer. 

10.  Academy starts on December 18, 2023.

General Description

Investigates and analyzes evidence to determine the cause and source of crimes. Manages caseloads, assists the public and prescreens police and professional staff job applicants.

This is a civilian classification, meaning the employee is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, does not respond to in-progress incidents, and does not make arrests.  

Essential Functions

Occasionally directs helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, volunteers or temporary employees.

Investigates crimes by drafting warrants, interviewing witnesses and suspects, collecting and analyzing evidence, drawing diagrams of the crime scene, conducting research, and showing lineups.   

Assists public and law enforcement agencies by responding to telephone calls and correspondence, discussing cases and other issues with citizens, and providing statistics and general information to law enforcement agencies.   

Manages caseloads by preparing and maintaining files, processing paperwork, writing reports, and processing evidence.   

Prescreens applicants by reviewing their paperwork, conducting interviews, conducting background investigations, and providing assistance to personnel as needed.   

Performs related duties by testifying in court, training employees, and maintaining vehicle.  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education Level & Type: Associates Degree

Minimum Experience Qualifications: At least two years of investigative experience in law enforcement, public safety, loss prevention, crime scene management, forensics, or related field.   

Valid and Unrestricted Class D - Driver License

Special Job Requirements

Arizona Criminal Justice Information System Network Terminal Operator Certification

Pre-Screen Questionnaire Instructions

After filling out your City of Tucson Application use this link to complete the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire:  

https://tpdjobs.tucsonaz.gov/recruiting_prof_staff_investigator/

NOTE: You must complete your application with the City of Tucson AND submit a completed Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire by the deadline to be considered for this job opening (both are required). Failure to complete either the application or the preliminary applicant questionnaire will remove you from further consideration in this process.

 

**The deadline to complete and submit the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire is:

Monday July 24, 2023, at 5:00 P.M.**


The Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire is a fillable web form. Completed Preliminary Applicant Questionnaires can only be submitted online. No other form of delivery will be accepted. You will need to type your responses into this web form document and submit into the system. Please ensure you complete all the questions in the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire. You may start and save, to complete and submit at a later time. If you utilize this save and close feature, a link will be emailed to you so you can return to where you left off. Do not return to the original link to complete the questionnaire. Doing so will require you to start over.

Complete honesty is of the utmost importance. Please fully disclose all relevant information on the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire. Discrepancies and omissions will be uncovered during an exhaustive background investigation. It is not in your best interest to be less than 100% truthful. One of the fundamental requirements of working in law enforcement is the ability of an individual to adhere to and demonstrate the highest legal and ethical standards. Unfortunately, it is our experience that a number of applicants will fail due to material omissions or untruthfulness.

If you are untruthful, dishonest, knowingly omit, falsify, conceal, or obscure required information during any part of the application and hiring process, you will be PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED from ever being employed by the Tucson Police Department in ANY capacity.

Selection Plan

Applicants who successfully complete the City of Tucson application, meet the minimum qualifications, and successfully complete the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire ( https://tpdjobs.tucsonaz.gov/recruiting_prof_staff_investigator/ ) by 5:00 PM on July 24, 2023, will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and their responses to the supplemental questions.

The top 100 highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in the following examinations:
Written Examination
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Location: Tucson Police Department Westside Substation, 1310 W Miracle Mile, Tucson

Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on a Civil Service Eligibility List. An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service Eligibility List will be based on their final score which will be calculated as:
  • 25% - Education and Work Experience
  • 75% - Written Examination
This recruitment will establish a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be utilized to fill vacancies occurring within the next six months.

The highest scoring candidates placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List may be invited to participate in a selection interview. If selection interviews are held, the date, time and location will be provided at a later time. 

Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in your Employment Profile, you must submit your documentation either in-person at the time of the Written Examination, upload to your COT application or send via email to TPD_HR@tucsonaz.gov. Copies of DD 214s must reflect a characterization of service.

Applicants requiring an accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for any of the applicant examinations must email TPD_HR@tucsonaz.gov at least 48 hours prior to the examination.

Candidates placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List who receive a contingent offer must successfully pass the following:
  • An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks
  • A polygraph examination to verify information you have supplied in the background questionnaire
  • Pre-employment medical and psychological evaluations
  • Motor Vehicle History review

Conclusion

You are highly encouraged to print or save this bulletin as a PDF because it contains important testing dates and information that you will need to refer to later.  It will not be available after the closing date.

Communications throughout this process will be sent exclusively via email so please ensure your browser accepts emails from jobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.

All inquiries should be directed to the individuals listed below:
  • Carolyn Cruse, 520-837-7755 or email: Carolyn.Cruse@tucsonaz.gov
  • Jennifer Urbina, 520-837-7762 or email: Jennifer.Urbina@tucsonaz.gov

Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements

Basic Physical
Non-NIDA Drug Test 
30lb Lift Test 

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To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.