Criminal Investigator Onboarding Checklist

Criminal Investigator Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Criminal Investigator starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Law Enforcement onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Criminal Investigator, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Criminal Investigator onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Criminal Investigator Onboarding Checklist

1. Background check: The task of conducting a thorough background check is crucial for a criminal investigator. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated background investigation unit within the law enforcement agency. It involves verifying the candidate’s personal, educational, and employment history, as well as conducting criminal record checks and reference checks to ensure the individual’s suitability for the role.

2. Orientation and introduction: The new criminal investigator should receive a comprehensive orientation and introduction to the organization. This task is usually performed by the agency’s training division or a designated onboarding team. It includes providing an overview of the agency’s mission, values, and organizational structure, as well as introducing the investigator to key personnel, policies, procedures, and resources within the agency.

3. Training and certification: Criminal investigators often require specialized training and certifications to perform their duties effectively. The agency’s training division or a designated training officer is responsible for coordinating and providing the necessary training. This task involves identifying the investigator’s training needs, enrolling them in relevant courses, and ensuring they obtain the required certifications, such as crime scene investigation, interview techniques, evidence handling, and legal procedures.

4. Equipment and resources allocation: To carry out their investigative responsibilities, criminal investigators need access to various equipment and resources. This task is typically performed by the agency’s logistics or supply department. It involves providing the investigator with essential tools, such as firearms, protective gear, surveillance equipment, and access to databases and information systems necessary for their work.

5. Mentorship and shadowing: Pairing the new criminal investigator with an experienced mentor or assigning them to shadow seasoned investigators can greatly enhance their learning and integration into the organization. This task is usually coordinated by the investigator’s supervisor or a designated mentorship program coordinator. It involves matching the investigator with a suitable mentor, facilitating regular meetings, and encouraging knowledge sharing and guidance to help the new investigator navigate their role effectively.

6. Case assignment and workload management: Assigning the new investigator to their first cases and ensuring a manageable workload is crucial for their development and success. This task is typically performed by the investigator’s supervisor or a designated case assignment coordinator. It involves assessing the investigator’s skills and experience, assigning them to appropriate cases, and monitoring their workload to ensure a balance between learning opportunities and manageable caseloads.

7. Policy and procedure review: Familiarizing the new criminal investigator with the agency’s policies, procedures, and guidelines is essential for ensuring compliance and effective performance. This task is typically performed by the agency’s training division or a designated policy coordinator. It involves providing the investigator with access to policy manuals, conducting training sessions on key policies and procedures, and addressing any questions or clarifications they may have.

8. Collaboration and networking: Building relationships and fostering collaboration with colleagues and external stakeholders is crucial for a criminal investigator’s success. This task is typically facilitated by the investigator’s supervisor or a designated networking coordinator. It involves introducing the investigator to relevant team members, organizing networking events, and encouraging participation in professional associations or conferences to expand their professional network.

9. Performance evaluation and feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are essential for the growth and development of a criminal investigator. This task is typically performed by the investigator’s supervisor or a designated performance management team. It involves setting performance goals, conducting periodic evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and identifying areas for improvement or additional training.

10. Ongoing professional development: Continuous learning and professional development are crucial for criminal investigators to stay updated with the latest investigative techniques, legal developments, and industry trends. This task is typically coordinated by the agency’s training division or a designated professional development officer. It involves identifying relevant training opportunities, encouraging participation in conferences or workshops, and supporting the investigator’s pursuit of advanced certifications or degrees to enhance their skills and knowledge

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Criminal Investigator checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Criminal Investigator up to speed and working well in your Law Enforcement team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.