CHIEF INVESTIGATOR LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY DEFINITION:
Under direction of a division director or other supervisory official in the Department of Law and Public Safety, is responsible for the coordination of investigative policy and programs, administration of confidential and sensitive administrative and regulatory audits, coordination of civil and licensing investigations for the detection of alleged noncompliance with or violations of New Jersey state statutes, or administrative codes, or Professional Rules of Conduct for the purpose of consumer protection; performs other related duties as required. EXAMPLES OF WORK:
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.
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 disciplining 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, administrative codes, rules, regulations, or professional rules of conduct.
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 engaged in the examination of records, documents, licenses, 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.
Recommends legal action or fines for noncompliance.
Advises legal counsel or interested parties of status of investigation.
Directs the monitoring of fair marketing practices of consumer products.
Approves implementation of suspension, revocation, confinement, or "stop" orders.
Approves restoration, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
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.
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.
Ten (10) 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 in the conduct of investigative administrative audits and/or regulatory examinations of records maintained by businesses and organizations, or in the conduct of investigations for the government, the military, consumer protection programs, public advocacy organizations, or the public interest, three (3) years of which shall have been in the administration of investigative programs, initiatives, and regulatory and administrative audits.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and six (6) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in the administration of investigative programs, initiatives, and regulatory and administrative audits.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in the administration of investigative programs, initiatives, and regulatory and administrative audits.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement 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, regulatory, and investigative terminology.
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 methods and techniques of regulatory analysis.
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 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
CODES: &32 - 61418 JMR 6/26/93