"Specialized Investigator" gigs

[tanksoldier]

I'm thinking of applying to several "Investigator" openings with the state. They are all, at least in theory, entry-level positions with academy sponsorship available.

DMV, Insurance Fraud, Social Services, etc.

I realize that probably more than a few experienced officers and/or academy graduates might be applying to these same positions... tho the examination seems to be open continuous.

I'm more interested into any insight anyone might have into the work itself. I realize door kicking, car chases and foot pursuits may not be the order of the day... but is the work fulfilling? Challenging? Worthwhile?

What say you?

[5shot]

If your looking for a 8-5 job with weekends and holidays off, most of these positions will give you that. Some are good assignments, some are not. Just depends on what your interested in. You will usually have the ability to transfer to different state agencies (DMV, BMQD, ABC, etc) without losing state benefits or seniority.
Downside is these are not 830.1 positions, and last I heard do not have safety retirement. They also do not pay as well as most police officer and deputy positions.

[tanksoldier]

last I heard do not have safety retirement.

I know that ABC Investigators get 2.5@55

http://www.abc.ca.gov/jobs/Investigator%20Flyer.pdf

...don't know if the others are different.

[5shot]

I know that ABC Investigators get 2.5@55

http://www.abc.ca.gov/jobs/Investigator%20Flyer.pdf

...don't know if the others are different.

Many agencies have 3%@50, 2.5%@50, etc. With the latest recession a lot of agencies are re-negotiating retirement benefits for new hires, so 2.5@55 may be about as good as it gets for a while.

[SoulStealer]

Homeland Investigations


Any interest in Federal send me a PM.

[IMG][/IMG]

[cowboykenny]

You don't always have a first pick at your assignment location.

[CalCop]

Downside is these are not 830.1 positions, and last I heard do not have safety retirement. They also do not pay as well as most police officer and deputy positions.

They are 830.2 positions, which have statewide Peace Officer authority, not just city or county wide. And yes, they do have safety retirement.

[tanksoldier]

You don't always have a first pick at your assignment location.

The announcements up currently are for specific locations.

[Spyder]

I applied for a bunch of ABC spots a few years ago. If I remember right, you do a general ABC application, and once that goes through and you're on the list, when certain positions open up, you apply for them. I interviewed in Oakland and in Redding, didn't get either one. ABC isn't a terrible gig. All plain clothes stuff, lots of coordinating with locals, lots of checking paperwork and the various types of licenses at different establishments. Lots of paperwork. Lots...of...paperwork...

[CalCop]

I applied for a bunch of ABC spots a few years ago. If I remember right, you do a general ABC application, and once that goes through and you're on the list, when certain positions open up, you apply for them. I interviewed in Oakland and in Redding, didn't get either one. ABC isn't a terrible gig. All plain clothes stuff, lots of coordinating with locals, lots of checking paperwork and the various types of licenses at different establishments. Lots of paperwork. Lots...of...paperwork...

That's true of all investigator jobs. 10% field work, 90% paperwork.

[tanksoldier]

If I remember right, you do a general ABC application, and once that goes through and you're on the list, when certain positions open up, you apply for them.

The way it seems to be working currently is you take a general "investigator" exam, which is pretty basic, which covers all "investigator" positions for all the different agencies: ABC, Insurance, Social Services, etc... and if you score well enough to be in the top 3 levels you can apply to any investigator position with any agency.

What the individual agencies' process may be after that, I don't have any data yet.

DMV want a lot of stuff up front: Transcript and behavior questionnaire, etc submitted with the state application. Others don't seem to want anything but the app up front.

[Sacmedic]

From CalCop:
They are 830.2 positions, which have statewide Peace Officer authority, not just city or county wide. And yes, they do have safety retirement.

Not to thread jack, but I think you mean they have authority to enforce all laws, regardless of location. As a 830.37 peace officer I am not limited to my county as jurisdiction. My enforcement is just detailed to laws relating to fire, arson and insurance fraud. I can arrest someone anywhere. I do not have authority off duty, but then, I have zero interest in busting a guy for much of anything when off the clock. The status doesn't change for me when off duty, just the authority to act on it.

[CalCop]

Not to thread jack, but I think you mean they have authority to enforce all laws, regardless of location.

Well, 5shot made it sound as if 830.1 cops somehow had a leg up on 830.2 cops. I was just pointing out that 830.2 cops actually have broader authority regarding location of crimes committed. Unless a crime happens in their presence, 830.1 cops are limited to their jurisdiction, meaning city or county limits. 830.2 cops do not have that restriction. I guess I don't understand why 5shot figured there was a downside to being an ABC agent (830.2 cop) when compared to an 830.1 cop. I picked the only comparison I could think of.

[oddjob]

I would also look into where the funding comes from. If its a "General Fund" position I doubt they will hire any more people. If its a specialty fund I would still be careful. When general fund folks get laid off the state goes by state seniority and will "bump" any "specialty fund" folks. Bottom line is last hired....first to get laid off. I know the state is already getting plans ready for additional lay offs. I know a few folks that got laid off and are working for local agencies. Some are just plain out of work. I'm not even counting the demotions!

My son wanted to become a LEO. I told him not to even consider state service. He is now a local LEO.

[Sacmedic]

CalCop,

I see your point. I understand the illustration you were trying to make.