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Job Description
Summary
Minimum Starting Salary: $27.5300 per hour
The City of Waco Seeks:
A Background Investigator who understands the requirements of being a Police Officer. If you are detail-oriented, organized, enjoy working with the public, and can maintain strict confidentiality, this position may be for you. Apply now!
Minimum Qualifications
Required:- High School Diploma or GED.
- Ten years continuous experience as a paid, full-time Texas peace officer.
- Must complete Police Department Background Packet (the packet will be sent 5/8/2026).
Licenses and Certifications
Required:- Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Background Investigations Course, (TCOLE #6023 or equivalent) within 180 days of hire date.
- Must successfully complete any additional background checks required for the position, which may include a CJIS background check, federal background check, or other applicable screenings (e.g., FAA).
Position Description
Under basic supervision, conduct background investigations on applicants for both sworn and civilian positions for the Waco Police Department (WPD).
Essential Functions- Provides professional, results-oriented customer service by responding to public inquiries in person and by phone.
- Communicates clearly and concisely in writing and verbally, including interviewing applicants and references.
- Performs administrative and clerical tasks such as data entry, document preparation, filing, copying, and records management. Maintains accurate and organized files related to background investigations.
- Reviews background investigation materials for completeness, accuracy, inconsistencies, omissions, and potential falsifications.
- Collects and analyzes records from law enforcement agencies (local, state, and federal), including FBI and Department of Justice reports, to assess candidate history and involvement in criminal matters.
- Obtains and evaluates supporting documentation such as arrest reports, witness statements, and credit reports to determine candidate suitability and financial responsibility.
- Conducts comprehensive interviews with employers, coworkers, neighbors, family members, law enforcement personnel, military contacts, and personal references. Develops additional leads and verifies the credibility of information gathered.
- Observes interview subjects for indicators of truthfulness and documents findings in detailed, objective statements.
- Compiles, organizes, and prepares complete background investigation reports and final packages for review by Police Command Staff.
- Analyzes and summarizes adverse information and evaluates candidate qualifications against Peace Officer Standards and Training criteria.
- Provides regular status updates to management and candidates throughout the investigation process.
- Trains newly assigned personnel on background investigation procedures, techniques, and administrative requirements as needed.
- Operates a personal or City vehicle to travel between work sites, facilities, and meetings, and to safely transport equipment or supplies between city offices and other locations in and around the city.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Closing Date/Time: 5/8/2026 12:00 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Waco
Show moreWaco is centrally located in the heart of Texas on the I-35 corridor midway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. This progressive and diverse city with a vibrant community spirit offers major attractions, museums, recreation, and abundant shopping to more than 140,000 residents. Waco is the 25th largest city in Texas and the county seat of McLennan County.
Waco is not only briming with Texas history, economic opportunity, and a rich variety of cultural experiences, it is also a major seat of high learning within three major colleges in its city limits including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College.
The city is also the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Waco boasts one of the biggest and best municipal parks in Texas, Cameron Park. While the park is located in the middle of downtown situated on the Brazos and Bosque River it hosts numerous races, triathlons, boat races and much, much more.
Governance and Organization
Waco is a home rule city with a council-manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor, elected at-large, and five City Council members representing single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council sets the tax rate, approves the budget, appoints members to City boards and commissions, enacts City ordinances, and appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary, and the Municipal Court Judge.
The City has a strong Financial Management Policy that guides the operation and delivery of quality City services, contributes to excellent AA+ and Aa1 bond ratings, and maintains an unassigned fund balance reserve in the General Fund equal to 28% of current year budgeted expenditures. The City of Waco has more than 1,600 employees and a total operating budget of over $400 million.
The City provides a full range of municipal services including a regional airport, animal services, building inspections, code enforcement, convention and visitors bureau, emergency management, housing and community development, economic development, fire, public health, library, municipal court, parks and recreation, planning, police, public works, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, utilities and zoo operations.
The City Council and City Manager are committed to the mission of providing exemplary municipal services for citizens and visitors in a collaborative and transparent manner while honoring the public’s trust. Waco values include providing excellent and innovative services, promoting equality and inclusion, focusing on teamwork, investing in people and always doing the right thing.
With the City of Waco, you will find our home; where everyone belongs and thrives as move forward together.
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