Criminal Investigation Bureau careers
Join the Criminal Investigation Bureau
Are you an analytical, self-driven problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment? The Franchise Tax Board's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is looking for individuals like you to join our team of elite Investigation Specialists—also known as Special Agents.
As sworn peace officers, our special agents are highly trained professionals with expertise in investigating complex financial crimes, including income tax evasion, income tax fraud, and asset concealment. Through extensive technical and tactical training, our special agents are equipped to meet the demands of this dynamic and challenging career.
CIB offers a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that supports continuous professional development, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the public good.
If you’re ready to expand professionally and serve with purpose, take the first step toward becoming a Special Agent with the Franchise Tax Board.
Investigation Specialist I exam and job opportunities are typically posted semiannually in July & December.
Investigation Specialist Series Minimum Qualifications
Hiring process
- Apply for a Investigation Specialist I position
- Physical Agility Test (PAT)Ensure you possess the physical capabilities needed to handle the demands of the police academy.
- Oral interviewApproximately five to six questions in front of a small panel.
- Background investigationRequired to verify good moral character and identify past behaviors that may indicate the candidate's suitability to perform the duties of a peace officer.
- Conditional job offerContingent on passing psychological and medical exams.
- Psychological and medical examThe psychological exam evaluates the candidate's psychological suitability to the role of a peace officer and helps determine how the candidate responds to stressful and challenging situations. The medical exam ensures the candidate is in excellent health, with no medical conditions that restrict the ability to safely perform the essential functions of a peace officer.
- Final job offerUsually about 30 days prior to start of police academy.
- Police academyAttend the police academy at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach.
Physical Agility Test (PAT) exam
The Physical Agility Test (PAT) is a pass or fail exam required by the Criminal Investigation Bureau to ensure candidates possess the physical capabilities needed to handle the physical demands of the police academy.
Purpose
The Physical Agility Test is an exam consisting of obstacles and tasks like those experienced in academy training and field service as a law enforcement officer. The applicant is required to demonstrate the physical agility skills necessary to complete all elements of the test in the times allotted.
Attire
Wear clothing that will allow the maximum freedom of movement yet provide protection against abrasions. All candidates must wear standard athletic shoes. Candidates wearing steel-toed shoes or cleats will be barred from participation. Dressing rooms will not be available, so arrive at the testing site dressed in the appropriate athletic attire. The Criminal Investigation Bureau is not responsible for any lost or stolen property, so please do not bring valuables to the test location. Do bring water and a photo ID.
Physical condition
People who are not in good physical condition should not participate in the Physical Agility Test. Every candidate will be required to sign a Waiver of Civil Liability that releases the Franchise Tax Board and the Criminal Investigation Bureau from liability for any injury that might result from participation in the Physical Agility Test.
Components of the Physical Agility Test
- A solid wooden fence climb requires candidates to:
- Run five yards to a six-foot wooden fence
- Climb over the wooden fence
- Run another five yards within 23 seconds
- An obstacle course/agility run, 99 yards long that must be completed within 38 seconds, consisting of:
- Five to six sharp turns
- Three six-inch by six-inch x three-feet curb height obstacles
- A 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted
- A dummy drag requiring the candidate to lift and drag a 165-pound dummy 30 feet in 30 seconds.
- A 500 yard run that must be completed within three minutes.
It is strongly recommended that potential recruits begin exercising before the academy begins. If you are not already participating in an exercise program, focus on running and bodyweight exercises including push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. While the Academy physical conditioning program focuses on improving overall levels of physical fitness, it will be extremely difficult for those who attend the Academy without any physical preparation. Failure to prepare will also increase the recruit’s risk of overuse injuries during the Academy due to poor physical condition.
Police academy
Agents attend a Pre-Academy for two to six weeks prior to attending the police academy. Currently, CIB utilizes the police academy at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach. The academy is approximately 24 weeks long.
This is subject to change based on the needs of the department.
Successfully completing the Police Academy is a requirement of passing probation.
Pay and benefits
Longevity pay
Peace officers will receive longevity pay after 17 years of service.
| Years of service | Longevity |
|---|---|
| 17 to 18 years | 2% |
| 19 years | 4% |
| 20 years | 5% |
| 21 years | 6% |
| 22 to 24 years | 7% |
| 25 years | 9% |
Retirement plan
PERS Retirement
Longevity Pay 7%
Office locations
Sacramento and West Covina
Contact us
If you have any questions about joining our bureau, the application process, or other recruitment related inquiries, please contact our recruitment team.
- CIB Recruiter
- Guest Book
- CIB Careers guest book