Occ. Code 6658100

INVESTIGATOR 1, GRADE 14

INVESTIGATOR 2, GRADE 18

INVESTIGATOR 3, GRADE 23

INVESTIGATOR 4, GRADE 25

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Incumbents of these positions investigate reported or suspected violations of law, rule or regulation relating to an agency's enforcement, regulatory, compensation award or licensing program. They use a variety of investigative techniques, including gathering and verifying information, interviewing witnesses and complainants, reviewing electronic and paper documents, and conducting surveillance and undercover activities to obtain information and evidence. They prepare written reports of their findings, which may be used by agency management and law enforcement in support or defense of administrative or criminal charges, the imposition or collection of fines, penalties or other sanctions, and the negotiation of settlements. They may perform other tasks that support compliance with an agencys laws, rules and regulations; and testify at administrative or criminal proceedings.

Investigators are classified in various State agencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

INVESTIGATOR 1:  performance level; under the general direction of an Investigator 2 or other higher level staff, independently performs investigative activities to gather information and evidence and prepares written reports of findings. Investigators 1 are classified for a statewide program of limited scope but with a broad base of licensees, claimants or participants or to carry out discrete investigations as directed by their supervisor. Their investigations generally focus on single individuals or entities that are suspected of violating clearly defined rules, regulations or laws. They may also assist in assuring compliance with program requirements.

INVESTIGATOR 2:  first level supervisor; under the general direction of an Investigator 3 or other higher level staff, supervises two or more Investigators 1, and performs the more sensitive or complex investigations requiring greater knowledge and interpretation of the agencys laws, rules or regulations. They may also participate in joint agency operations

INVESTIGATOR 3:  second level supervisor; under the general direction of an Investigator 4 or other higher level staff, supervises two or more Investigators 2, operational and other staff; oversees the day-to-day activities of an investigative program, or unit, or geographic area in a statewide investigative program.

INVESTIGATOR 4:  managerial level; under the general direction of higher level staff, manages and directs the operations of investigative units headed by Investigators 3 in a region or district office. May serve as director or assistant director of an investigative program.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

INVESTIGATOR 1

• Performs a wide variety of enforcement, regulatory and licensing investigative activities to gather information and report facts.

• Reviews assigned cases or complaints from the public to determine the section of law, rule or regulation that applies and to identify the issues and the types of information needed.

· May plan the scope and method of an investigation based on office policy, the accessibility of information and the importance of the case.

• Meets with and interviews witnesses, complainants, proprietors, prospective licensees and others to obtain information relating to the investigation or to determine eligibility or compliance.

• Takes statements from individuals in an appropriate format, taking care to include a full description of the facts needed to support the investigation.

• Identifies and searches public and private documents to locate persons of interest or may question others and follow leads to locate such persons.

• Reviews documents to extract pertinent information and verifies validity of information obtained through comparison with other sources or consultation with agency program staff.

• Visits establishments to review and inspect records, physical surroundings and activity to determine compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.

• Develops leads and informants; conducts surveillance and engages in undercover work. May use a camera, recording device or other equipment to document findings.

• Obtains and safeguards evidence according to agency procedures and legal requirements.

• Confers with law enforcement and other entities to convey and obtain information relevant to an investigation and to develop and maintain rapport to ensure mutual cooperation in the conduct of investigations.

• Participates in joint agency operations targeting patterns of non-compliance or violations by regulated entities.

• Prepares factual written reports of information gathered during an investigation; and may recommend an appropriate course of action consistent with findings and agency policy and practices.

• Discusses investigative findings and recommendations with supervisor and program specialists.

• May assist with witness preparation and fact and evidence development during trials.

• May testify at administrative proceedings or in court regarding the details of investigations and related conclusions.

INVESTIGATOR 2

• Performs all the duties of an Investigator 1.

• Supervises two or more Investigators 1; schedules and assigns cases to subordinate staff based on program priorities and individual workloads and abilities.

• Plans scope and method of investigation and coordinates field activities of assigned staff.

• Provides guidance and assistance to Investigators in gathering and evaluating information and evidence, and on investigative techniques and changes in agency policy and procedures.

• Reviews completed investigation reports for adequacy of coverage, quality of findings, and soundness of recommendations and/or makes recommendations consistent with findings and agency policy and practice.

• Prepares periodic status reports for higher level staff.

• Personally investigates difficult and sensitive cases and participates in interagency task forces.

INVESTIGATOR 3

• May perform any duty assigned to an Investigator 1 or 2.

• Supervises two or more teams supervised by Investigators 2; and determines investigative priorities and staff assignments.

• Develops plans, standards and procedures for conducting investigations.

• Prepares reports on investigative activities for higher level staff.

• Monitors investigations conducted by subordinate staff to ensure the proper and complete investigation of all allegations and complaints.

• May personally handle the most difficult and sensitive investigations.

INVESTIGATOR 4

• May perform any duty assigned to an Investigator 1, 2 or 3.

• Manages all activities relating to their assigned investigative program, including both administrative and technical supervision over all units and regional offices under their purview.

• Advises and reports to agency management on investigative and related matters, ensures that program goals and performance standards are met.

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, practices and guidelines pursuant to agency policies, laws, rules and regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

INVESTIGATOR 1

Open Competitive: four years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings.

Substitutions: an associates degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for two years of qualifying experience.  A bachelors degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for four years of qualifying experience. Related fields include: law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, and economic crime management.

INVESTIGATOR 2

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 1.

INVESTIGATOR 3

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 2.

INVESTIGATOR 4

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 3.

Attachment

Date:  1/17

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.

PARENTHETIC ATTACHMENT

Investigators perform a wide variety of duties. Investigator parenthetics are classified when the majority of a given positions duties and responsibilities emphasize a particular specialty or body of laws, rules and regulations.

INVESTIGATOR 2, 3 AND 4 (COMPENSATION CLAIMS): these positions exist only in the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF). The incumbents supervise or manage the performance of investigations of workers compensation and disability benefit claims in accordance with the Workers Compensation Law and NYSIFs investigative policies and procedures.

INVESTIGATOR 2, 3 AND 4 (LICENSE): these positions exist only in the Department of State.  Incumbents supervise or manage the performance of investigations related to the administration and enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing occupations licensed by the Department of State.

INVESTIGATOR 2 (RENT ADMINISTRATION): these positions exist only in the Division of Housing & Community Renewal. The incumbents supervise the performance of investigations of reported or suspected violations of rent law, rule of regulation, and of an individuals background to gather or verify information relating to tenant/landlord issues. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

INVESTIGATOR 2 (COMPENSATION CLAIMS)

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as an Investigator 1.

INVESTIGATOR 3 (COMPENSATION CLAIMS)

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as an Investigator 2 (Compensation Claims).

INVESTIGATOR 4 (COMPENSATION CLAIMS)

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 3 (Compensation Claims).

INVESTIGATOR 2 (LICENSE)

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 1.

INVESTIGATOR 3 (LICENSE)

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 2 (License).

INVESTIGATOR 4 (LICENSE)

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 3 (License).

INVESTIGATOR 2 (RENT ADMINISTRATION)

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Investigator 1.