INVESTIGATIVE AGENT 3 STATE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION

Code: 55712 State Unclassified Range: X98 (FY 2027)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Counsel or other supervisory officer of the State Commission of Investigation, conducts confidential and sensitive investigations and inquiries of a diverse and complex nature to expose government waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement, as well as, the identity and activities of conspiratorial groups and enterprises consistent with Commission resolutions. Serves on investigative teams consisting of counsel, accountants, special agent/investigators, analysts and other investigative staff under close supervision to detect non-compliance with, or violation of New Jersey State statutes, administrative codes and other rules of conduct or laws.

Examples of work

• Conduct in-depth regulatory and administrative audits and investigations. Participate in complex and major phases of investigations, including interviews and document analysis. Review records, files, financial statements, and other transactions to determine compliance with rules and regulations. Advise supervisor on results and progress as appropriate.
• Analyze and organize assigned investigations and assess priorities to establish appropriate action. Develop work schedules and procedures in order to meet and attain changing investigative objectives. Improve operating efficiency and arrive at deadlines with success and with results suitable to the objectives of the Commission.
• Develop inferences and recommend investigative strategies bases on review of evidence, testimony, investigative reports and other resources. Recommend investigative information requirements in order to plan, prioritize and implement investigative plans, targets or case strategies.
• Conduct routine interviews and conferences with representatives of government agencies, organizations, businesses and other parties to obtain relevant information.
• Assist in the collection, cataloging, accountability and security of evidential, investigative and intelligence information from various sources. As required, assist in the development of detailed and comprehensive subpoenas and schedules of records required to further investigations.
• Prepare accurate detailed investigative and intelligence reports of interviews and observations which effectively communicate findings, conclusions and recommendations. Weigh facts impartially and accurately and state them clearly, concisely and objectively, orally or in writing.
• Directly assist Counsel and contribute to the planning and preparation for proposed witnesses in Commission public or private hearings. Prepare questions or areas of questioning and demonstrative exhibits and evidence to be used in proceedings.
• Participate in private and public hearings as required. Provide factual testimony at public hearings on evidential material, investigative findings and recommendations for action as required. Observe proceedings and provide assistance to Counsel.
• Maintain, update and monitor the input, retrieval and purging of essential computer data and investigative and intelligence files and records relating to investigative activities in accordance with Commission policies and intelligence guidelines.
• Maintain or develop effective liaison and working relationships with international, federal, state, and local agencies and entities on matters of mutual interest and advise supervisor of possible impact on other enforcement actions and Commission investigations.
• Obtain, develop, manage and maintain sources of relevant information which can assist the Commission in meeting its goals.
• Inform supervisor and investigative staff of developments, new or revised procedures, legislation and new investigative techniques.
• May assist in the preparation of plans and specifications for equipment, supplies and information system requirements to include the justification for budget requests.
• Maintain knowledge and familiarity with policies, procedures, regulations, precedents, investigative technique and other matters related to the technical and administrative aspects of investigative assignments.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems, audio and visual equipment, communications devices and other equipment utilized by the Commission.
• <b>REQUIREMENTS
• EDUCATION:</b>
• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's Degree.

Experience

Four (4) years experience in conducting and organizing administrative, criminal, intelligence or background investigations in a federal, state or other investigative or regulatory agency which shall have included the review and analysis of modern business, financial and accounting records.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is required to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of the mandate of the Commission and the ability to investigate matters consistent with this mandate as well as specific authorizing resolutions.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques, methods, procedures and terminology related to financial, regulatory, background and other types of investigations.
• Knowledge of procedures governing rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for work organization and effective verbal or graphic presentation of information to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of corporation structures, financial statements and transactions, and financial fraud and the ability to apply this knowledge in conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of modern business and investigative systems, methods and procedures including the continuous revision and alteration of methods and plans as may be required.
• Knowledge of the relationship among federal, state and local government agencies.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Commission.
• Knowledge of personal computers and software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, graphic presentation, public records information and electronic mail.
• Ability to organize, plan, analyze, evaluate, and execute all phases of investigative activity including schedules and rocedures and strategies, where necessary and when warranted using resourcefulness, versatility, ingenuity and originality.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and apply the policies and procedures of the Commission to work schedules and personnel problems encountered.
• Ability to prepare for interviews and interrogations by developing background and anticipating areas of questioning and determining the order of persons to be interviewed.
• Ability to effectively interview and interrogate witnesses, remembering names, faces and details of incidents and evaluate the reliability and credibility of oral or written statements by witnesses.
• Ability to analyze information developed during the course of an evaluative inquiry and/or investigation for possible criminal activity and violations.
• Ability to locate, interview and evaluate complainants and primary witnesses and to conduct evaluative inquiries.
• Ability to research sources and collect information relevant to investigations.
• Ability to develop, manage and maintain sources of information under guidelines established by the Commission.
• Ability to prepare and provide detailed and accurate investigative and intelligence reports and complex correspondence containing findings, conclusions and recommendations in a timely fashion.
• Ability to assist Counsel in the preparation for examination of witnesses in private and public hearings through the use of detailed memoranda which outline anticipated areas of inquiry.
• Ability to prepare demonstrative evidence and/or charts to summarize and analyze complex data.
• Ability to serve compulsory process (subpoenas <u>ad testificandum</u> and <u>duces tecum</u>) and render general explanation to the receiving subjects when necessary.
• Ability to locate, recognize, evaluate and take receipt of evidence and/or potential evidence.
• Ability to determine through review examinations and analyses of business and financial records the evidence which is relevant to an investigation.
• Ability to analyze business and financial records in conjunction with staff investigative accountants.
• Ability to testify at Commission private and public hearings and in other forums in a credible and highly professional manner.
• Ability to interact and communicate with private and public executives and staff as well as people of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member, including periods of intense concentration and high stress.
• Ability to assign, instruct and provide guidance and assistant to other staff as required.
• Ability to review and analyze existing investigative procedures, evaluate their appropriateness and recommend changes to improve efficiency.
• Ability to utilize the New Jersey Criminal Justice Information System and other public records information systems.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems, audio and video equipment, communication devices and other equipment utilized by the Commission.
• Ability to develop and conduct training programs in areas of specific knowledge.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodations cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODE: 98/X98 - MER 5/26/07

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis.

NOTE: Applicants accepting employment as Investigative Agents with the State Commission of Investigation are required to adhere to certain current employment restrictions and a secrecy agreement.