CHIEF OF DETECTIVES - STATE INVESTIGATOR

Definition

Under direction of a division director or other supervisory official in the Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law and Public Safety, is responsible for the direction of policies and programs and coordination of investigations for the detection of alleged noncompliance with or violations of New Jersey state statutes; is authorized to exercise all powers and rights of police officers, constables, and special deputy sheriffs in criminal matters, and is empowered to act as an officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest, and conviction of offenders against the law; performs other related duties as required.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience

Ten (10) years of investigatory experience as a sworn law enforcement officer conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and/or preparing investigative reports related to criminal and/or civil matters involving acts of criminal and/or civil misconduct, six (6) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

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 of investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of civil rights of individuals under investigation.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of surveillance methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of types of surveillance devices and equipment, such as photographic and video equipment.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures governing document alteration, forgery, theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
• Knowledge of the type of documents required for litigation and their preparation.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of covert investigation.
• Knowledge of the techniques of investigative reporting.
• Knowledge of procedures for preparing affidavits or sworn testimonies.
• Knowledge of procedures for conducting background checks.
• Knowledge of procedures for preparing final case disposition of field investigations.
• Knowledge of electronic communication equipment and database software.
• Knowledge of procedures governing rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of management theories and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of employee supervision.
• Knowledge of principles of needs assessment.
• Knowledge of principles of human resource planning.
• Knowledge of training principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of employee performance evaluation procedures.
• Knowldege of principles and techniques of mediation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to qualify with firearms on a semiannual basis.
• Ability to develop and implement investigative and regulatory training programs.
• Ability to resolve problems in the administration or coordination of programs, plans, or projects.
• Ability to provide testimony in court or other legal forum.
• Ability to evaluate the reliability and credibility of witnesses' oral or written statements.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODE: 38/M-38 MER 04/11/09

Note

The definition for this title and the examples of work and knowledge, skills, and abilities are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks and KSAs listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties and KSAs which may be required.

Exercises all powers and rights of police officers, constables, and special deputy sheriffs in criminal matters, and functions as a law enforcement officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of offenders against the law.

May oversee and direct complex, comprehensive investigations, if required by circumstances.

Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of hiring, firing, promoting, and discplining of subordinates.

Determines organization goals and objectives, establishes policy, and allocates resources.

Directs the investigation activities performed by investigative units, teams, or specialized investigators for the purpose of detecting and enforcing compliance with New Jersey state statutes.

Directs investigation of allegations of negligence, incompetence, misrepresentation, unethical conduct, consumer fraud, or misconduct by individuals, organizations, vendors, service providers, or agencies.

Directs investigation of allegations of illegal activities.

Manages the collection, cataloging, accountability, and security of evidence.

Directs examination of corporate and business financial records, documents, or transactions.

Provides evidence as a witness or testifies in court or in administrative hearings.

Directs the enforcement of compliance with standards, codes, laws, rules, regulations, or court orders.

Directs the investigative units enagaged in the examination of records, documents, licences, permits, certificates, or other official material.

Directs the conduct of background checks, such as credit history, financial assets, or criminal history.

Directs the coordination of joint investigative effort with other agencies in cases of mutual interest.

Recommends procedures for corrective action or abatement.

Advises legal counsel or interested parties of status of investigation.

Directs arrangements for transportation or accommodation of subpoenaed witnesses.

Reviews investigative reports for established form, clarity, and legal sufficiency.

Oversees a case management and recordkeeping system for investigations.

Determines appropriateness of filing charges against alleged perpetrators based on evidence.

Determines necessity of searches, inspections, impound orders, subpoenaes, or other documents during investigations.

Conducts evaluations of investigations and personnel.

Directs investigation of incomplete or improper reporting techniques.

Ensures accomplishment of investigative objectives, efficient operations, and case closure.

Determines the necessity for covert or surveillance activities.

Investigates confidential or sensitive issues, if required.

Analyzes evidence for appropriateness and relevance.

Mediates the settlement of differences among parties in a dispute.

Develops programs for the training of subordinates in investigative duties.

Develops investigative programs, plans, or procedures.

Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of investigative operations and objectives.

Instructs staff on policies and procedures.

Uses various types of electronic communications equipment, photographic equipment, recording devices, and database software for investigative activities.

Experience as a police officer performing criminal follow-up investigations (not preliminary investigations) may be substituted for the above non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

A Master's degree or Certified Public Accounting Certificate (CPA) may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated non-supervisory experience.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 years of age

<b>CITIZENSHIP:</b>

Must be a citizen of the United States.

<b>MEDICAL EXAMINATION:</b>

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection.

<b>SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:</b>

Applicants must have successfully completed the police training commission course administered by the Police Training Commission. This training includes successful attainment of a required level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

Appointees to this position shall qualify semi-annually in the use of firearms.

<b>SPECIAL NOTE:</b>

Applicants accepting employment are required to adhere to employment restrictions that they not pursue outside gainful employment during their tenure with the Division of Criminal Justice unless approved by the Attorney General.