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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

CORRECTIONAL INVESTIGATOR

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CORRECTIONAL INVESTIGATOR
Class Code: 427E
Category: Legal Services
Salary Range: 47
Abolished Effective: 08-14-2015


Definition

Within the Department of Corrections, conducts comprehensive investigations, gathers evidence and reports unlawful activities involving DOC offenders, visitors, associates, and/or staff, which typically result in prosecutorial pursuit in Federal or Superior Courts.  May participate, supervise, lead, direct or support tactical, covert and/or investigative/ intelligence operations involving a camp, community corrections or multiple law enforcement/criminal justice agencies.  Gathers, develops and evaluates intelligence information which includes militia organizations, violent anarchists, hate groups, street group, security threat groups and any other individual or groups that pose a threat to public safety and the overall security of the Department.  Operates and maintains the offender telephone monitoring system. These positions are located at major institutions and report to a higher-level investigator. 

Note:  For the purposes of this specification, the term “investigations” refers to the gathering of facts and developing of evidence for the purpose of substantiating allegations such as, but not limited to fraud, misconduct, criminal activity or other claims under state jurisdiction, and includes:

  1. Responsibility for developing the complete case from the original claim or allegation through preparation for presentation in court or administrative hearing as required.

 AND

    2.   The use of full range of investigative duties as necessary to complete assigned cases. This includes such duties as:

  • Researching and analyzing records and developing case files;
  • Gathering and preserving documentary evidence;
  • Obtaining statements of fact, depositions, or confessions;
  • Obtaining and serving subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the
  • production of records;
  • Conducting covert surveillance operations;
  • Obtaining and coordinating the service of search warrants;
  • Advising parties of their constitutional rights;
  • Writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence sufficient to be used in a court or administrative hearing;
  • Reviewing the case with private attorneys, assistant attorney general, or prosecuting attorney;
  • Presenting completed investigation to a county prosecutor or U.S. Attorney’s office;
  • Testifying in court or other proceedings as necessary.
  • Maintaining and using specialized covert electronic audio and visual equipment;
  • Providing expert analysis of case files, investigations and intelligence;
  • Correlating evidence and pursuing leads as indicated;
  • Gathering, collation, proper dissemination and archiving of critical intelligence;
  • Maintaining the work unit in regard to constitutional guidelines and ethical practices.

Typical Work

Assists in gathering, collecting, compiling, analyzing and disseminating intelligence information to superiors; 

Uses telemonitoring equipment to intercept, monitor and record conversations occurring on property controlled by the Department of Corrections; 

Assists in criminal investigations, conducts interviews and interrogations of witnesses and suspects of applicable constitutional rights; 

Testifies in court and/or hearing proceedings; 

Manages and directs the use of inmate and civilian informants; 

Operates electronic surveillance equipment; 

Assists law enforcement, prosecutors and attorney general office in the gathering of evidence or information required for civil or criminal cases; 

Serves summonses, subpoenas and other legal papers; 

Assists in the investigation of complaints or incidents of employee misconduct; 

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  principles and practices of investigation, surveillance techniques, evidence gathering and processing, interviewing, interrogation, law enforcement and civil and criminal court procedures; departmental policies and procedures; laws of arrest, search and seizure; Miranda Warnings; applicable Washington State statutes and Federal and State regulations pertaining to area of investigation; auditing, record keeping and bookkeeping techniques.   

Ability to:  plan and direct investigations; gather and protect evidence; interview and interrogate individuals; deal tactfully and effectively with public, employees and officials; analyze evidence and prepare sound, concise recommendations; interpret and apply Washington State statutes and Federal and State regulations; write and speak clearly, concisely, accurately and informatively; exercise mature judgment in a wide variety of public contacts.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Two years of experience in custody (Correctional Officer 2 or above), counseling, or case management in adult or juvenile corrections and six months of investigative experience.  

OR

Three years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice agency or criminal investigative agency of the armed forces, or investigating personal backgrounds, unfair and deceptive business practices, insurance casualty claims, or other directly allied field.  College-level course work with major emphasis in business administration, public administration, law, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or directly allied field will substitute, on a year-for-year basis, for up to two of the three years of required experience. 

Note:  Qualifying investigative experience is interpreted to be:  researching records and developing case files, gathering and preserving documentary evidence; obtaining statements of facts, depositions or confessions; obtaining and serving subpoenas; conducting field surveillance; writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence sufficient to be used in administrative and/or criminal proceedings.

Class Specification History

New class: 1-29-93
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 7-11-97
Revised definition, minimum qualifications and title change (formerly Correctional Investigator 2): 2-11-2000
New class code: (formerly 39771) effective July 1, 2007