09/08/2000 70825

CORRECTIONS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

DEFINITION: This is 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 independently conducting 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 and frequently functions as a team leader over Special Investigators. Work involves cases which usually have broad administrative and political implications in state government. An important aspect of the work involves conducting 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. Employees exercise broad discretion in determining the course and scope of investigations and use independent judgment in completing assignments. Employees may be responsible for coordinating the activities of personnel from other agencies involved in investigations. Work is reviewed by a Corrections Criminal Investigator Supervisor through summary reports and periodic conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Receives complaints and analyzes facts involved to determine the course and scope of investigations of suspected violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the Governor's Code of Ethics or the agency's Code of Conduct and prepares comprehensive reports of findings.

Collects, evaluates and develops evidence and prepares it for presentation to prosecuting officials.

Prepares and files affidavits for criminal arrest and search warrants.

Conducts, independently or as a team leader, complex and politically sensitive statewide criminal and administrative investigations of staff, inmates, contract vendors, parolees, pre-release residents, employees of the Commonwealth, private citizens and inmates' visitors.

Develops and maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies.

Examines and evaluates various official records such as personnel, inmate, medical, criminal history and financial.

Interviews informants, inmates, employees and individuals, as necessary, to obtain information concerning criminal activity.

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

Analyzes documents, obtains handwriting and typing samples and prepares graphs for court presentation.

Conducts surveillance using technical investigation apparatus, such as electronic and photographic equipment of all types.

Gathers and preserves evidence through interviews, telephone monitoring, surveillance, cell searches and the execution of search warrants.

Prepares detailed summary and comprehensive investigative 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.

Completes all necessary documents for the conduct of administrative or criminal proceedings.

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.

Directs subordinate investigators and coordinates activities of personnel from other state agencies necessary to the investigation.

Assists other law enforcement agencies with investigations.

Reviews policies to determine compliance of staff and inmates and recommends revisions and changes based upon investigation.

Identifies administrative operational deficiencies to prevent future violations.

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 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.

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 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: Four years of experience in progressively responsible criminal investigation work and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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