Office of Public Safety Accountability Investigator (OPSA Investigator)
Apply NowCompany: City of Sacramento, CA
Location: Sacramento, CA 95823
Description:
Salary : $80,389.46 - $126,613.41 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Career
Job Number: 021021-25-MC
Department: Mayor Council
Division: Office of Public Safety Accountability
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 100
THE POSITION
THIS JOB POSTING WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE UPON THE RECEIPT OF 100 APPLICATIONS
OR
AT THE FINAL FILING DEADLINE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
This position is an oversight practitioner and is responsible for public safety critical incident response requiring 24/7 on-call monthly rotation. The ideal candidate will have experience performing investigative work in a public or private agency and a working knowledge of criminal and/or civil investigation techniques and procedures. They will be a team player with clear communication skills, interpersonal skills, and empathy. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and thorough while preparing clear, concise, and accurate documents and reports detailing investigative activities and findings.
The purpose of this position is to perform administrative and investigative duties for one or more major components of the Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) operations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) Investigator is a journey-level classification filled with multiple incumbents. Incumbents are responsible for performing investigative analytical duties involving issues that are sensitive and confidential. This classification is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Senior Office of Public Safety Accountability Investigator by the greater complexity of the assignment and lead supervisory duties.
Some positions in the OPSA Investigator classification series are flexibly staffed from the lower level of Office of Public Safety Accountability Investigator. Appointment to the higher classification requires that the employee be performing substantially the full range of duties for the classification and meet the qualification standards for the classification.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by the Assistant Director of Public Safety Accountability or other higher-level personnel. This classification does not supervise.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the classification. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this classification. Additionally, please be aware of the legend below when referring to the physical demands of each essential function.
The above job responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Skill in:
Experience and Education:
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience performing professional-level administrative investigative or legal investigative work.
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Substitution:
Additional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License required at the time of appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The conditions herein are typically required of an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical Requirements:
On an intermittent basis sit at a desk; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; write and use a keyboard and occasionally lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less; incumbents will travel to and participate in various events throughout the City which may involve exposure to traffic and inclement weather conditions. Requires effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing.
Environmental Conditions:
Work is performed in the field on occasion and could include standing, kneeling, and bending; may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, communicable biological substances, drug paraphernalia, unsanitary conditions, confrontational interactions, and potentially hostile environments; must have ability to work at crime scenes involving human trauma of all types and degrees of severity; must be able to remain calm during high stress situations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents may be required to be on-call and work evening hours.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Not applicable. This is an exempt from civil service, at-will classification and does not serve a probationary period.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever occurs first;
2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline;
3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) -All applications received by the final filing deadline or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever occurs first will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.
4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento 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.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules:
Union Contracts:
Salary Schedule:
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
02
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities.I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position.Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
03
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
04
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
05
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
06
Describe your experience with investigations and the types of cases you have handled.
07
Describe how you prioritize competing demands and deadlines in your workload, particularly when new cases or urgent matters surface unexpectedly.
08
Describe an experience where your investigation led to a significant breakthrough. What was your task, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome of your actions?
Required Question
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Career
Job Number: 021021-25-MC
Department: Mayor Council
Division: Office of Public Safety Accountability
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 100
THE POSITION
THIS JOB POSTING WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE UPON THE RECEIPT OF 100 APPLICATIONS
OR
AT THE FINAL FILING DEADLINE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
This position is an oversight practitioner and is responsible for public safety critical incident response requiring 24/7 on-call monthly rotation. The ideal candidate will have experience performing investigative work in a public or private agency and a working knowledge of criminal and/or civil investigation techniques and procedures. They will be a team player with clear communication skills, interpersonal skills, and empathy. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and thorough while preparing clear, concise, and accurate documents and reports detailing investigative activities and findings.
The purpose of this position is to perform administrative and investigative duties for one or more major components of the Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) operations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) Investigator is a journey-level classification filled with multiple incumbents. Incumbents are responsible for performing investigative analytical duties involving issues that are sensitive and confidential. This classification is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Senior Office of Public Safety Accountability Investigator by the greater complexity of the assignment and lead supervisory duties.
Some positions in the OPSA Investigator classification series are flexibly staffed from the lower level of Office of Public Safety Accountability Investigator. Appointment to the higher classification requires that the employee be performing substantially the full range of duties for the classification and meet the qualification standards for the classification.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by the Assistant Director of Public Safety Accountability or other higher-level personnel. This classification does not supervise.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the classification. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this classification. Additionally, please be aware of the legend below when referring to the physical demands of each essential function.
- Conduct public safety misconduct investigations that are difficult, highly complex and sensitive, and confidential in nature.
- Assist the Director of the OPSA with the preparation of complex narrative annual report that includes summaries of complaints, disposition of complaints, periodic statistical review, and the measured effectiveness of established objectives.
- Serve as a liaison for the OPSA with elected officials, community organizations, and community residents as it relates to police and fire accountability oversite matters.
- Monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations on the effectiveness of operations, policies, procedures, programs, and practices to increase public safety, protect civil liberties, and increase public confidence.
- Request, receive, and review documents and information to monitor an investigation.
- Perform related work of a similar nature and level as assigned.
The above job responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- The needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
- City and police practices, policies, and procedures; criminal law, state civil law, civil rights law, and Police Officer and Firefighter Bill of Rights.
- Principles of statistical analysis.
- Principles and practices of report writing techniques.
Skill in:
- Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in large and/or complex data sets.
- Effective interviewing techniques.
- Use of modern office equipment, including computers, computer applications, and computer software, to accomplish a variety of tasks.
Experience and Education:
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience performing professional-level administrative investigative or legal investigative work.
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Substitution:
Additional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License required at the time of appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The conditions herein are typically required of an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical Requirements:
On an intermittent basis sit at a desk; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; write and use a keyboard and occasionally lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less; incumbents will travel to and participate in various events throughout the City which may involve exposure to traffic and inclement weather conditions. Requires effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing.
Environmental Conditions:
Work is performed in the field on occasion and could include standing, kneeling, and bending; may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, communicable biological substances, drug paraphernalia, unsanitary conditions, confrontational interactions, and potentially hostile environments; must have ability to work at crime scenes involving human trauma of all types and degrees of severity; must be able to remain calm during high stress situations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents may be required to be on-call and work evening hours.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Not applicable. This is an exempt from civil service, at-will classification and does not serve a probationary period.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever occurs first;
- Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
- Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
- If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
- If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
- Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline;
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
- Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
- Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.
3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) -All applications received by the final filing deadline or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever occurs first will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.
4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
- Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
- For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
- Visit the City of Sacramento Human ResourcesDepartment website athttps://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
- Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
- Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726
Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento 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.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules:
Union Contracts:
Salary Schedule:
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
- Yes
02
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities.I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position.Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
- Yes
03
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- No units from an accredited college or university
- Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- Associates Degree
- 90 semester or 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate
04
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- Yes
- No
05
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
- Yes
06
Describe your experience with investigations and the types of cases you have handled.
07
Describe how you prioritize competing demands and deadlines in your workload, particularly when new cases or urgent matters surface unexpectedly.
08
Describe an experience where your investigation led to a significant breakthrough. What was your task, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome of your actions?
Required Question