09/08/2000 70826

CORRECTIONS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and advanced technical criminal investigation work of a confidential nature in the Internal Affairs Units of the Office of Professional Responsibility, involving investigations of internal and external operations of state correctional institutions, community corrections centers and headquarters' organizations.

An employee in this class is responsible for planning and directing a regional Internal Affairs Unit involving the conduct of complex criminal investigations involving highly sensitive cases of alleged violations of state laws, the Governor's Code of Ethics and the agency's Code of Conduct. The work may involve the performance of the more difficult and politically sensitive investigations. Work involves managing cases, which usually have broad administrative and political implications in state government. An important aspect of the work involves supervising the conduct of investigations of employee misconduct, such as payroll fraud, institutional sexual misconduct, drug interdiction, etc; preparing comprehensive investigation reports which outline the scope of the investigation, defend the evidentiary chain, recommend appropriate disciplinary action and form the basis for the filing of criminal complaints; executing and conducting search and arrest warrants; and presenting and defending evidence in criminal trials or administrative proceedings, which can result in the taking and sustaining of disciplinary action, including pre-disciplinary counseling, arbitrations, unemployment, or Civil Service hearings. Employees utilize scientific and technical equipment, processes and methods of investigation in order to obtain information and evidence. Responsibilities including planning and directing all phases of an investigation, including direct supervision of subordinate investigators, assigning and reviewing work and coordinating the activities of other law enforcement personnel involved in agency investigations. Work is performed independently under the direction of an administrative superior and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and directs the work of subordinate investigators responsible for conducting complex and politically sensitive criminal and administrative investigations of staff, inmates, contract vendors, parolees, pre-release residents, employees of the Commonwealth, private citizens and inmates' visitors on a statewide basis.

Develops and maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies.

Reviews complaints received for possible violations and determines type of investigation to be conducted.

Develops plans for and supervises the conduct of large-scale arrest and seizure operations.

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

Reviews and approves arrest and search warrants prepared by subordinate staff.

Supervises investigative operations such as surveillance, document examination, interrogation and the use of electronic and photographic equipment.

Reviews and approves reports of subordinate investigators and makes recommendations for corrective action.

Conducts complex criminal and administrative investigations into suspected violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and prepares comprehensive reports of findings, which outline the scope of the investigation, defend the evidentiary chain, recommend appropriate disciplinary action and form the basis for the filing of criminal complaints.

Interviews informants, inmates, employees and individuals to obtain information concerning criminal activity and protects the identities of confidential sources,

Conducts cell searches and makes inspections of state installations and correctional facilities in order to detect evidence of possible violations.

Gathers intelligence related to internal or external security and examines and evaluates official records, such as personnel, inmate, medical, criminal history and financial documents.

Evaluates sources of information to determine reliability.

Reviews policies to determine compliance of staff and inmates and makes recommendations to higher-level management regarding changes and revisions.

Identifies deficiencies in agency administrative operations in order to prevent future violations.

Serves as a liaison with other law enforcement agencies such as the State Police, Office of the Attorney General, etc.

Testifies, presents and defends evidence in criminal and administrative proceedings, which can result in the taking and sustaining of disciplinary action, such as pre-disciplinary counseling, unemployment and Civil Service hearings and arbitrations.

Acts as an adjunct instructor at the Corrections Training Academy, as requested.

Attends annual Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission in-service training, law enforcement and corrections related training and mandatory firearms qualification.

Employees in this class may be required to perform their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

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

Knowledge of the basic rules of evidence.

Knowledge of the applicable statutes, court decisions, interpretations and administrative rulings pertaining to violations of state law.

Knowledge of state government and business operations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Skill in ascertaining facts by personal contact and observation and the examination of records.

Skill in the use and care of firearms.

Skill in the use of technical investigation equipment.

Ability to interpret and apply the Governor's Code of Ethics and the agency's Code of Conduct.

Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the work of a unit conducting complex criminal investigations.

Ability to write and speak effectively.

Ability to complete advanced courses in forensic disciplines, if required.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in all public contacts.

Ability to complete Pennsylvania Act 120 training.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of experience in progressively responsible criminal investigation work, including two years in a supervisory capacity and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                                  or

An equivalent combination of experience and training, which included two years of supervisory experience in responsible criminal investigation work.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator's license.