Investigator 3

Description

 NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS CANDIDATES ONLY.

Duties

The Department of Corrections (Facility) Intelligence and Investigations Unit (IIU) in collaboration with its criminal justice partners; will contribute to staff and community safety and hold Incarcerated Individuals accountable through administration of criminal sanctions and effective re-entry programs.

The Investigator 3 position works under the direction of the IIU Chief Investigator and the Superintendent and works collaboratively with stakeholders and contributes to the agency's mission, to improve facility and public safety by conducting impartial, confidential, high priority investigations throughout the department. These investigations often involve allegations that are sensitive, complex, and at times controversial within a correctional setting with the potential of having political impacts, and/or media interest related to the Department of Corrections. This position may be asked to conduct special investigative activities pertinent to the institution and public safety. This position may require travel across the state and may be called to duty whenever an emergency arises and there is a need for investigative support.

This position Gathers facts and develops evidence with the objective of completing casework from the original claim, or allegation to preparation for presentation in court or for administrative hearings in a timely manner: This includes researching records and case files; conducting a thorough investigation; 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 field surveillance; writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence; reviewing case work with law enforcement agencies, private attorneys, Assistant Attorney General, or Prosecuting Attorneys; and testifying in court or other proceedings as necessary. 

This position will assist with the overall management of the IIU and may act as the Chief Investigator in their absence. During normal operations, the Investigator 3 will supervise and mentor the IIU's Investigator 2's, and assist the Chief Investigator in establishing priorities, goals and strategies to meet the units commitments. When authorized by the appointing authority this position may be armed, once properly trained, and may be issued a take home weapon.

This position along with other investigators will have the responsibility of being IIU Duty Officer for one week rotations. The Duty Officer will be responsible to respond to the facility or conduct other work as needed, 24 hours a day, through the 7 day period.

Duty: The Investigator 3 will independently initiate, conduct, and complete comprehensive investigations to include, but not limited to, alleged WAC violations / illegal acts under RCW, criminal, tort claims, fraud, and background investigations, any other claim under State jurisdiction that pose a threat to public, staff, and residents of the Department of Corrections safety, and refer the reports to appropriate authorities at the direction of the Chief Investigator. When investigations are complex in nature, or become complex after initiation, the Investigator 3 will take lead in ensuring the investigation is taken to appropriate, accurate and complete closure.

Tasks include:

• Creates, compiles, and writes documentation/case files relevant to intelligence on activity conducted by Incarcerated Individuals, visitors, and associates (Both physically maintained in IIU Office and electronic maintained in SharePoint in a timely manner.)

• Write thorough investigative reports in a timely manner, establishing proof of fact and evidence sufficient to be used in Superior Court or for DOC Administrative Hearings. The Investigator 3, will also review investigation documents for accuracy and completeness prior to being forwarded to the Chief Investigator/Superintenent.

• Gather, document, and retain evidence according to applicable laws, Department policies, and established procedures in support of investigative activity which typically result in prosecutorial pursuit in Federal or Superior Courts or Administrative Discipline. 

• Conduct interviews of suspects, victims, and witnesses, prepares and/or reviews statements of fact and / or confessions in accordance with applicable laws, DOC policies and procedures for use in Superior Court or in Administrative Hearings. (Including but not limited to: JPAY investigations, VTrack investigations, Contraband Investigations, PREA investigations)

• Investigate complaints of employee misconduct as directed by the Chief Investigator and Superintendent. This activity will be minimized as much as possible as the primary focus should be on Incarcerated Individuals activities as they relate to staff, facility and public safety.

• Review and present appropriate cases to private attorneys, Assistant Attorney General, Prosecuting Attorney, and Federal/State/Local Law enforcement. 

• Testify in court or other proceedings as necessary.

• May participate, supervise, lead, direct or support tactical, covert and/or investigative operations involving prison (s), community corrections or law enforcement/criminal justice agencies at the 

• direction and approval of the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and Headquarters Chief of Investigative Operations per established guidelines. 

• Maintain and use specialized covert electronic, audio and visual equipment per Federal and State laws, and Department policies, and with approval from the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and Headquarters Chief of Investigative Operations when required.

• Participates in the collection, documentation and dissemination of intelligence information on Security Threat Groups, at the direction of the Chief Investigator and/or Statewide STG Program Manager.  

• Researches records and case files; gathering and preserving documentary evidence

• Submit reports and provide communication as directed by the Statewide IIU Program requirements.

• Trained and certified in drug / narcotic testing (MMC, NARTECH, NIK, Target ID, ETC.). 

• Obtain, log, and test substances that have been submitted or collected as evidence.

• Gather, log, maintain / preserves evidence properly per policy as directed and under direct supervision by the Chief Investigator or higher-level Investigator.

• Assist law enforcement, Prosecutor’s and Attorney General Office in the gathering of evidence or information required for civil or criminal cases. 

• Attends meetings/briefings and Trainings.

• Quarterly IIU Meetings
• Mandatory Trainings
• Yearly Trainings
  1. LMS Online Training
  2. Instructor Led Classroom Training
  3. Defensive Tactics
  4. Weapons Training
• Others as directed by Chief Investigator

• Write detailed and concise reports (i.e. Infraction Reports, Incident Reports, IMRS’s, Segregation Management reports.)

• Conduct and complete Administrative Segregation investigations or request extensions within policy time frames and document appropriately.

• Liaison with local LE, courts, attorneys, etc…

• Provides and/or Assists in training regarding security and investigative issues.

Duty: Interviews and Investigations
Operate and monitor the Incarcerated Individual telephone program (VTracks), Securus, JPay, OMNI, Incarcerated Individual mail, and other DOC information sources 

Tasks include:

• Comply with all training requirements per policy. 

• Review archived calls and perform live monitoring of Incarcerated Individual conversations to gather intelligence on known or suspected criminal activity of Incarcerated Individuals, visitors and/or associates using VTracks System. (Monitor, analyze, and investigate any suspicious phone calls)

• Accurately record these conversations for use as evidence in administrative and/or criminal court proceedings while complying with applicable Federal/State laws and Department policy. 

• Monitor, analyze, and investigate suspicious JPAY messages that could jeopardize the safety and security of facility operations.

• Gather, compile, and analyze data related to the safety and security of the institution arising from the monitoring of JPAY, VTracks System, and the US Mail.

• Monitor incoming and outgoing Incarcerated Individual US Mail per policy.

• Maintain confidentiality and only disclose that information allowed in policy. 

• Review and monitor the facility surveillance systems as well as stand alone, covert surveillance systems for issues concerning the safety and security of facility operations

Duty: 

Gather, develop, evaluate, document, and disseminate intelligence information pertaining to Incarcerated Individuals and Security Threat Groups that pose a threat to public, staff, and Incarcerated Individuals safety. 

Tasks include: 

• Screen incoming Incarcerated Individual chain for STG members, their status, and placement.

• Accurately and promptly enter data into the Security Threat Group Tracking System on groups including but not limited to, militia organizations, violent anarchist, hate groups, street groups, security threat groups and any other individual or groups that pose a threat to public safety and overall security of the Department.

• Appropriately distribute Security Threat Group (STG) related information to those areas, departments and offices requiring information for operation, planning, and administrative purposes. 

• Provide training to staff regarding STG and security issues. Provide training if requested related to narcotics and ways that narcotics are introduced into prisons. 

• Provide the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and senior administrative staff with accurate, comprehensive timely Intelligence information.  

• Document and file intelligence information according to policy, including but not limited to Confidential Information Reports.

• Demonstrate professionalism and credibility with Incarcerated Individual population. 

• Assure confidentiality with the cultivation/collection of intelligence information according to laws and Department policies.

Other duties as assigned.

Tasks include: 

• Receives and responds to inquiries by telephone, in writing, e-mail, and in person by outside agencies and other state entities.

• Respond to statewide emergencies and provide investigative/intelligence support at the request of HQ SIS with approval from the Chief Investigator and Superintendent. 

• Assist in service of subpoenas and other legal papers on Incarcerated Individuals and/or employees. 

• Meet with senior staff to provide information on ongoing issues and to discuss facility or community safety concerns or suspicions. 

• Act as office lead for other investigator(s) as assigned when Chief Investigator is absent or unavailable. 

• Maintain good working relationships with all staff, Federal/State Law Enforcement agencies.

• Assure units timely response to public disclosure requests and work closely with the Public Information Officer.

Misc. Duties to be done by all Investigators

Tasks include: 

• Create and maintain IIU Hotmail list and disseminate list appropriately.

• Filing of paperwork, case files, and reports

• Maintain and ordering of office supplies

• Answer office telephone calls, respond to requests, screen calls for Investigators

• Respond to Incarcerated Individual Kites / Kiosk messages pertaining to IPIN, general, or miscellaneous requests

• Scan documents as needed / requested

• Typed correspondences on behalf of Chief Investigator with Chief signature

• Organize and maintain cleanliness of office

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Two years’ experience as an Investigator 2 within DOC Internal Investigations Unit (IIU).

OR

Three years of experience in conducting investigations which include:  witness interviews; gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence; and developing written reports.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•High level of knowledge and experience with Security Threat Groups

•High level of experience with methods, principles, standards, and techniques of criminal and civil investigations

•High level of experience with interviewing techniques, rules of evidence, chain of custody, laws of arrest, search

         and seizure, Miranda and Garrity warnings

•Skilled at investigative report writing

•Working knowledge of applicable Wahington state statues, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the area

         investigations

•Working knowledge of the incarcerated individual classification process

•Working knowledge of applicable Wahington state statues, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the area

         investigations

Supplemental Information

 To be considered for this position, please attach a professional resume and a letter of interest (preferably no more than two pages) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are an ideal candidate for this position.

For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov. 

Vision:  Working together for safer communities.
Mission:  Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment:  To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
  
  DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
   
   IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• Answers to supplemental questions must be verifiable with provided work history.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.   When positive tests result, further information, testing, and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

Telework Details
  This is an onsite position and not allocated for telework.
  
What We Offer: 
  As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.  Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

*The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

 
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email ctcooper@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.