INVESTIGATOR I

DEFINITION

This is entry-level investigative work conducting internal and external civil, criminal, administrative and/or environmental investigations relating to suspected violations, fraud, forgery, theft and/or assaults, within a program, correctional facility or agency-designated geographic area.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Collects and analyzes information regarding witnesses and persons suspected of violating statutes or program requirements administered by the assigned agency.

Collects and analyzes documentary information relative to business operations, financial assets, real and personal property, and employment and wages.

Collects and analyzes information related to suspected cases of fraudulent receipt of public assistance, child support, medical assistance, Medicaid vendor funds or similar payments, or of improper or unlawful activities resulting in the diversion of controlled drugs.

Locates individuals and representatives of business or governmental entities to obtain evidence of suspected violations.

Assists in making arrangements for the payment of taxes due or ordered fines, or the repayment of fraudulently obtained funds.

Examines and analyzes a variety of records to secure information concerning suspected violations of federal and state laws or regulations.

Conducts investigations of offender violations or suspected violations and serious incidents; interviews offenders and witnesses to obtain case evidence.

Collects, assembles and preserves facts, statements, affidavits and other evidence for use in legal actions and background investigations; prepares detailed reports of investigative findings.

Administers psychological stress evaluation tests and interprets test results.

Serves as liaison to prosecuting attorneys' offices and other governmental and law enforcement agencies.

Testifies in court concerning investigative findings.

Exercises independence in performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Introductory knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures.

Introductory knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the programs administered by the assigned agency.

Introductory knowledge of sources of information to be utilized in obtaining evidence and documentation, and of the principles of identification, preservation and presentation of evidence.

Introductory knowledge of the legal rights of witnesses and suspects under investigation.

Introductory knowledge of interviewing techniques, including effective methods of obtaining information from hostile or reluctant witnesses.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, federal, state and local agencies, business entities, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, witnesses and the general public.

Ability to analyze, prepare and/or present evidence and other data.

Ability to prepare clear and detailed reports of investigative findings.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Criminology, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field.

OR

Possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate; plus, four or more years of experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Para-professional or technical experience in activities which are related to the practice of law or its enforcement, financial or resources investigations, civil, administrative or criminal investigations, or closely related areas.

2. Clerical experience at the Senior Office Support Assistant (Clerical/Keyboarding) level or above, including two or more years involving specialized clerical work in financial, civil, administrative, or criminal investigative activities.

3. Custody and treatment of adult criminal offenders, including one or more years at the level of Corrections Officer II with responsibility for conducting investigations.

(Minor Revision 3/29/06)