09/01/2010 70630

CHIEF OF INVESTIGATIONS, CORRECTIONS

DEFINITION: This is managerial investigative work in the Office of Special Investigations and Intelligence, Department of Corrections.

The employee in this job is responsible for directing, planning and coordinating all aspects of criminal and administrative investigations involving inmates, staff, visitors and civilians associated with the Department. Work involves utilizing technical equipment, processes and methods of investigation, and directing a staff involved in the collection, analysis, summarization, and evaluation of data to develop criminal cases for prosecution. Work also involves coordination of activities with law enforcement agencies, other state and local governmental agencies and private citizens to obtain cooperation and assistance in achieving program effectiveness and desired results. Supervision is exercised over a Corrections Criminal Investigator Supervisor and other technical staff. Work is performed independently while advising the Director of the Office of Special Investigations and Intelligence on the status of investigations, scope of findings, probability of successful prosecution, and recommended disposition. Work is reviewed through conferences and written reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK  Directs, plans, and coordinates all aspects of investigations involving alleged fraud, waste, misconduct, abuse or violation of state laws involving individuals or entities that are involved with the Department, such as Commonwealth employees and agency contractors/vendors.

Supervises the work of subordinate investigators in the collection, analysis, summarization, and evaluation of data to develop criminal cases for prosecution.

Promotes partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to assist in investigations resulting from intelligence received.

Reviews and closes institutional inmate abuse investigations.

Manages complex criminal and administrative investigations into alleged violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the Governor's Code of Conduct and the Department's Code of Ethics.

Manages field operations that include the preparation and service of search and arrest warrants and the apprehension of suspects.

Examines all arrest and search warrants prepared by subordinate staff.

Directs the investigative operations of surveillance, document examination, interrogation and the use of electronic or photographic equipment.

Directs the examination of private and public records, such as services billed/provided, equipment and supplies usage, contracts, ledgers, personnel, inmate, medical, and financial records to determine legality of operations and possible involvement in criminal activities.

Reviews case reports for factual content and legality of evidence, and prepares an executive summary for each case report to ensure a logical conclusion.

Works with members of the Office of General Counsel, Department Chief Counsels, or district attorneys to prepare cases of criminal conduct for prosecution.

Recommends the disposition of cases or follow-up activities to the Director based on investigative findings.

Completes assignments and other special investigations as assigned by the Director.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of criminal investigations and law enforcement.

Knowledge of the basic rules of evidence.

Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of a legal search.

Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to criminal procedures and confinement.

Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleading and effective techniques in the presentation of cases in court.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of supervision.

Knowledge of electronic and photographic investigative equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to analyze and interpret written material.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of supervisory experience over professional staff responsible for conducting criminal or administrative investigations, and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                                  or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of supervisory experience over professional staff responsible for conducting criminal or administrative investigations.