INVESTIGATOR 1 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY DEFINITION:
Under close supervision of a Supervising Investigator or under the guidance of an Investigator 4 or other supervisory official in the Department of Law and Public Safety, assists in regulatory audits a and inspections of licensed premises; reviews records, files, financial statements, and other transactions to determine compliance with rules or regulations governing consumer protection laws; conducts, under close supervision, civil and regulatory investigative activities or specialized investigations to detect alleged noncompliance with or violations of New Jersey state statutes, administrative codes, or Professional Rules of Conduct or consumer protection laws; does other related work as required.
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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Assists in conducting investigations of alleged violations of or noncompliance with state statutes, administrative codes, rules, regulations, or Professional Rules of Conduct
Investigates information on applications and other documents.
Assists in investigating allegations of negligence, incompetence, misrepresentation, or misconduct by licensed individuals, organizations, vendors, service providers, or other agencies.
Examines credit history of individuals or organizations.
Investigates claims for evidence of fraud or misconduct.
Assists in investigating allegations of unethical conduct of licensed individuals or organizations under provisions of the Professional Rules of Conduct.
Reviews complaints received from the general public.
Investigates incidents of improper or incomplete reporting techniques.
Assists in investigating allegations of illegal activities or noncompliance with state statutes and administrative codes.
Examines the authenticity of charitable organizations and fundraising activities and their compliance with established laws.
Inspects vendor premises, equipment, files, records, and other transactions.
Assists in informing consumers of illegal practices, such as false advertising, unsafe practices, or unlicensed practitioners.
Verifies manufacturer's claim of product effectiveness and safety.
Collects, catalogs, and examines evidence obtained during the course of an investigation.
Assists in securing evidence for accountability and presentation in court and administrative hearings.
Develops leads or information networks for investigative purposes.
Examines financial records and statements.
Provides evidence as a witness or testifies in court or in administrative hearings.
Conducts routine inspections of organizations and companies.
Reviews compliance with standards, codes, laws, rules, or regulations.
Assists supervisors in enforcing court orders.
Examines records, documents, or other official recorded material.
Reviews applications for licenses, permits, certificates or renewals.
Assists in locating individuals under investigation.
Conducts background checks, such as credit history, financial assets, or criminal history.
Assists in conducting administrative searches.
Monitors fair marketing of consumer products and services.
Reviews advertising material for misrepresentation.
Assists supervisors in reviewing orders of suspension, revocation, confinement, or "stop orders."
Examines requests for restoration, suspension, renewal, or revocation of licenses.
Checks for appropriate license, bond, certificate, or permit.
Assists supervisors in drafting affidavits.
Assists in obtaining affidavits or sworn testimonies from complainants, witnesses, or principals in investigations or disputes.
Delivers legal notices, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
Records (takes) testimony from all affected parties.
Compiles materials for hearings, reviews, or other legal matters.
Assists in obtaining warrants for required inspection or administrative searches of premises.
Arranges for transportation or accommodation of subpoenaed witnesses.
Interviews individuals for needed information.
Writes investigative reports.
Maintains a case management system for investigations.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in the conduct of civil or criminal investigations related to compliance, enforcement, detection, and surveillance activity, including the preparation of investigative reports.
OR
Five (5) years of professional experience in the conduct of investigative administrative audits and/or regulatory examinations of records maintained by businesses and organizations.
OR
Five (5) years of professional experience in the conduct of investigations for the government, the military, consumer protection programs, public advocacy organizations, or the public interest.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a juris doctorate or a master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
NOTE: Completion of a supervised internship field placement of 300 hours in an undergraduate curriculum in Criminal Justice or a related degree program may be substituted for one (1) year of the non-supervisory experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
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 AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of civil and regulatory investigative terminology.
Knowledge of methods and procedures for conducting investigations.
Knowledge of surveillance methods and procedures.
Knowledge of types of surveillance devices, 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 methods and techniques of regulatory analysis.
Knowledge of the techniques of investigative reporting.
Knowledge of procedures for preparing affidavits or sworn testimonies.
Knowledge of electronic communication equipment and database software utilized during the course of an investigation.
Knowledge of the techniques used in the preparation of detailed investigative reports.
Knowledge of procedures for conducting background checks.
Knowledge of procedures for preparing final case disposition of field investigations.
Knowledge of procedures governing rules of evidence.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, and regulations.
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.
