Supervising Special Investigator I Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

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Series established November 30, 2007

Scope

This is a series specification that describes two classes at the first supervisory level that supervise a staff of Special Investigators performing investigative work.

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D​​efinition

Both C​​lasses:

Under direction, either (1) in an assigned area, to direct a staff of Special Investigators I or Special Investigators I (Non-Peace Officer) in the performance of field investigations to detect or verify suspected violations of laws, rules, or regulations; or (2) in a headquarters office, to assist a superior in planning and directing a major investigation program, and to act for him/her in his/her absence; to make difficult investigations; and to do other related work.

Distinguishing C​​haracteristics

Both Classes:​​

Employees in this class are typically first-line supervisors in charge of an assigned area with a crew of Special Investigators. In addition to direct supervision, they may personally participate in difficult or complex investigations.

Typical Tas​​ks

Both Cla​​​sses:

Trains, plans, organizes, and directs the work of a staff of Special Investigators I or Special Investigators I (Non-Peace Officer) in the investigation of suspected violations of provisions of laws, rules, or regulations; makes or directs the more difficult criminal investigations; makes inspections of the physical security of local offices and equipment and recommends any necessary actions; advises departmental personnel in methods of fraud detection; files complaints, prepares cases, and appears in court or in administrative hearings; works with and secures the cooperation of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; evaluates the performance of staff members, and takes appropriate action; assists a superior in planning and directing a major investigation program and acts for him/her in his/her absence; reviews and evaluates reports; makes or participates in more difficult or confidential field investigations; and prepares reports and correspondence.

Supervising Special​​​ Investigator I

Incumbents in this class performs peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments in accordance with the California Penal Code, Section 830 et. seq., and Government Code, Sections 20391 and 20393.

Minimum Qu​​alifications

Both C​​lasses:

Either I

​One year of experience performing the duties of an Investigator, Range B or a Special Investigator, Range C in the California state service.

Or II​​

​Experience: Three years of experience in investigation work, at least two years of which involved complete responsibility for difficult and unusual cases. and

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Supervising Spe​cial Investigator I

In addition to what is required for both classes, applicants applying for the Peace Officer classification will need the following:

Applicants may be admitted into the examination without meeting all of the requirements in this section, but the applicant must meet those requirements prior to appointment.

Must meet the peace officer selection standards developed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training per Penal Code section 13510(a) and in accordance with existing law; and

Firearm Conviction Disqualification: Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in these classifications; and

Firearms Requirement: Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in the amended Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 are disqualified from appointment to these classes; and

Training Requirements: Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of training is required for peace officer status in this classification.

Knowledge, Skills, an​​d Abilities

Both Classes:

Knowledge of: Investigation techniques and procedures, and directing others in the performance of investigatory work; rules of investigatory work; rules of evidence and court procedure; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; sources of information used in locating persons; laws of arrest, search and seizure, service of legal process, and the legal rights of citizens; interviewing techniques; duties of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; interpreting and applying to specific cases the provisions of the laws, rules, or regulations enforced or administered; principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision and supervising a staff of investigators; and a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Skill in: Planning, organizing, and directing investigations.

Ability to: Direct others in the performance of investigatory work; interpret and apply to specific cases the provisions of the laws, rules, or regulations enforced or administered; supervise a staff of investigators; gather, analyze, and prepare effective evidence; dictate correspondence and prepare reports; communicate effectively; establish and maintain cooperative relations with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; analyze situations accurately; think and act quickly in emergencies and adopt an effective course of action; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Supervising Special I​​nvestigator I

Knowledge of: All of the above, communication and active listening skills; behaviors indicative of potential hostility; techniques for effective interaction with diverse communities; how to approach problems with cultural awareness and sensitivity; cultural differences and similarities; implicit and explicit biases; community engagement and strategies and the benefits of effective community engagement; reporting obligations when biased behavior or misconduct is observed; characteristics protected under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act.

Ability to: All of the above, be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn and understand other cultures; social and cultural perceptiveness; seek clarifying questions to get a better understanding of the issue(s); maintain neutrality; identify effective ways to communicate and/or provide support; work cooperatively with various cultural backgrounds and others in the community; defuse, negotiate, and resolve conflicts; recognize and respect diversity through words and actions; effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy; treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner; recruit qualified individuals who understand and demonstrate respect for diverse communities.

Special Personal Characteris​tics

Both Classes:​​

Willingness to work irregular hours and overtime in various locations throughout the State; tact; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, and incidents; and ability to qualify for a fiduciary bond.

Class H​​istory​