Exam Bulletin - Investigator

State of California

Exam Code: EX-1757

Examination Plans Included:

  • INVESTIGATOR - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

INVESTIGATOR: $6,093.00 - $10,197.00 per Month

View the INVESTIGATOR classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • INVESTIGATOR - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1757

For INVESTIGATOR, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01757

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00108610 - INVESTIGATOR

Applicants may be admitted into the examination without meeting all of the requirements in this section, but the applicant must meet those requirements prior to appointment.

Must meet the peace officer selection standards developed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training per Penal Code section 13510(a) and in accordance with existing law; and

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement; and

Firearm Conviction Disqualification: Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in peace officer classifications; and

Firearms Requirement: Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in the amended Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 are disqualified from appointment to peace officer classifications; and

Either 1

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units) from an accredited college or university;

Or 2

Experience: Four years of experience performing investigative work in a public or private agency or in the armed services.

Position Description

00108610 - INVESTIGATOR

Incumbents perform limited to full peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments in accordance with the pertinent California Penal Code Section 830 et. seq.

The Investigator is a deep class with alternate ranges. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting independent criminal, civil, and/or administrative investigations to detect or verify suspected violations or provisions of Federal, State, and/or local laws, rules, or regulations; obtaining and verifying evidence to support administrative action and/or prosecution; determining type of case and developing investigation plan; conducting and completing investigations; maintaining accurate master investigation case files; developing field operation plans and safely executing them; performing undercover assignments and surveillance operations; locating and interviewing witnesses and persons suspected of violations; serving subpoenas, inspection warrants, search warrants, and/or other official legal papers; make arrests; providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies and others; cooperating with and securing the assistance of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; preparing clear, concise, and accurate documents and reports detailing investigation activities and findings; may provide security and protection to departmental employees and property in cases of emergency and/or threat; and performing other related work.

Incumbents may also be expected to lead field investigations, operations, or projects; participate in multi-agency investigations or assignments; and/or develop and interpret programs or policies which specifically require investigatory or law enforcement expertise.

Incumbents are required to meet the provisions of California Penal Code Section 832 et. seq., and successfully complete training courses as prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) within 12 months of employment.

Special Personal Characteristics

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision, and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

For positions in the Investigator classification possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certificate of Completion from Basic Academy or Specialized Basic Investigators' Certificate of Completion.

All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Investigation techniques and procedures
  2. Rules of evidence and court procedures
  3. Laws of arrest, search, and seizure
  4. Legal rights of citizens
  5. Service of legal process, and interviewing techniques
  6. Duties of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies
  7. Provisions of the laws, rules, or regulations enforced or administered
  8. Principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision
  9. Communication and active listening skills
  10. Behaviors indicative of potential hostility
  11. Techniques for effective interaction with diverse communities
  12. How to approach problems with cultural awareness and sensitivity
  13. Cultural differences and similarities
  14. Implicit and explicit biases
  15. Community engagement and strategies and the benefits of effective community engagement
  16. Reporting obligations when biased behavior or misconduct is observed
  17. Characteristics protected under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act
Ability to:
  1. Interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific situations
  2. Bather and analyze facts and evidence
  3. Reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations
  4. Communicate effectively
  5. Prepare written documents and accurate detailed investigation reports clearly and concisely
  6. Follow written and oral instructions
  7. Participate effectively in investigations and interviews
  8. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Federal, State, local law enforcement agencies, and others
  9. Analyze situations accurately, think and act quickly in emergencies, and take an immediate and effective course of action
  10. Develop, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple case investigations, work plans, and other assignments or tasks
  11. Review and evaluate the work of others
  12. Provide guidance and constructive feedback
  13. Be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn and understand other cultures
  14. Social and cultural perceptiveness
  15. Seek clarifying questions to get a better understanding of the issue(s)
  16. Maintain neutrality
  17. Identify effective ways to communicate and/or provide support
  18. Work cooperatively with various cultural backgrounds and others in the community
  19. Defuse, negotiate, and resolve conflicts
  20. Recognize and respect diversity through words and actions
  21. Effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy
  22. Treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the INVESTIGATOR Classification will be established for:

  • State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Investigator Training and Experience Examination Preview

Section 1: Tasks

 

Instructions:  

Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

 

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option from the scale(s) provided.

 

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your FORMAL EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING COURSES, and/or WORK EXPERIENCE whether paid or volunteer.

 

  1. Evaluate a set of facts (e.g., complaint, case file, supporting documents, evidence) to determine the type of action that is warranted or make a recommendation.
  2. Document daily work and/or case investigative activities for reporting purposes.
  3. Utilize various computer programs and/or databases for the purposes of obtaining information and conducting research or investigations.
  4. Develop an initial plan (e.g., outline, records, correspondence, interviews, list of possible violations) to establish a framework for a project or an investigation.
  5. Contacting individuals or organizations using various methods (e.g., in-person, phone, email) to request additional information.
  6. Identify and locate individuals for the purpose of obtaining information (e.g., evidence, facts) to assist with investigations and/or work activities.
  7. Locate, collect and research information (e.g., computer files, witness statements, suspect statements, medical records, photographs) to support findings.
  8. Prioritize and complete activities to meet deadlines for investigations and/or work assignments.
  9. Maintain and secure confidential and/or sensitive information (e.g., master case file documents, evidence, personal information) to ensure confidentiality and security in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
  10. Maintain accurate information to ensure quality of work product.
  11. Conduct research (e.g., laws, rules, regulations, statutes) when investigating, analyzing and evaluating cases or case studies.
  12. Document, maintain and preserve an evidentiary chain of custody.
  13. Maintain a safe environment when performing work related duties.
  14. Verify information obtained from individuals during the course of an investigation or work assignment.
  15. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate documents/reports (e.g., request letters, search warrants, affidavits, subpoenas, discovery requests) relevant to investigations, work activities or assignments.
  16. Analyze documents or records to extract, obtain and/or verify information.
  17. Consult with subject matter experts regarding issues involving an investigation, work activities and/or assignments.
  18. Communicate with difficult individuals in a diplomatic and professional manner.
  19. Interview individuals to obtain information (e.g., evidence, facts) relevant to investigations and/or work assignments.
  20. Operate various types of equipment (e.g., cameras, computers, cell phones) during the course of work assignments.

 

Section 2: Knowledge and Abilities

 

Instructions:  

Rate your experience in accordance to specific job-related knowledge and abilities.

 

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option from the scale(s) provided.

 

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your FORMAL EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING COURSES, and/or WORK EXPERIENCE whether paid or volunteer.

 

  1. Ability to listen effectively to gain relevant information and differentiate between facts and opinions.
  2. Ability to act independently with minimal supervision to complete work assignments or investigative tasks.
  3. Ability to be flexible in investigative duties and/or work assignments.
  4. Ability to completely and accurately record pertinent information obtained during case investigations and/or work assignments.
  5. Ability to read and understand laws, policies, and codes related to case investigations and work assignments.
  6. Ability to perform job duties in hostile or difficult situations.
  7. Ability to recognize and deal with sensitive situations in a tactful and effective manner.
  8. Ability to develop, organize, and prioritize short and long range plans to successfully complete work in a timely manner.
  9. Ability to verbally communicate in a clear, concise, and effective manner with diverse audiences (e.g., the public, supervisors, co-workers, judges, district attorneys).
  10. Ability to organize and manage time effectively.
  11. Ability to prepare written documents (e.g., case investigation reports, transcriptions, memorandums) clearly and concisely for review by various audiences (e.g., supervisors, co-workers, prosecutors).

Testing Departments

  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

State of California
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

State of California reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)