TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 6322100

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this series perform field investigation and law enforcement work to prevent the diversion to unauthorized use of narcotics in the possession of manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians. Incumbents investigate complaints involving diversion and trafficking of controlled substances, according to the rules and protocols established by the Bureau of Controlled Substances (BCS).  Incumbents cooperate with Federal narcotics agents and State and local law enforcement officers in cases involving tax evasion, illicit possession and sale of narcotics, and other types of narcotics law violations; carry arms and make arrests, as well as advise corrective measures in cases not requiring prosecution.

These positions are found only within the Department of Health (DOH).  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

NARCOTIC INVESTIGATOR 1: full performance level; incumbents conduct investigations using a variety of investigation techniques (surveillance, undercover, medical record and document review, interviewing) to obtain documentation and evidence in the support of the violation charge. 

NARCOTIC INVESTIGATOR 2: supervisory level; serve as immediate assistants to the Supervisor of Narcotic Control.  Incumbents train and supervise the work of lower level Narcotic Investigators.

RELATED CLASSES

Medical Conduct Investigators are assigned complex cases involving complaints and allegations relating to the conduct of physicians and physicians assistants.  Incumbents plan and manage individual case investigations, including identify documents to be obtained, conduct interviews, prepare case reports, arrange for medical and legal consultations, and obtain all documentary evidence.  They  monitor compliance with probation terms or other medical practice restrictions; interview complainants, patients, witnesses, physicians, and attorneys; assist prosecuting attorneys in preparing for hearings, including testifying and preparing witnesses, conducting additional investigative activity, and maintaining an appropriate chain of custody of evidence; and provide technical assistance to lower-level investigators, or acting as a team leader on particular cases.

Investigators schedule and assign field investigations, train and instruct new staff, assist in solving investigative problems, observe the staffs activities, and review written investigative reports.  Incumbents regularly communicate with local law enforcement agencies in order to establish rapport conducive to the cooperative exchange of information useful in each others investigations.  They question a variety of individuals in order to gather information which may be used in an administrative or judicial proceeding, and they provide detailed, factual reports which may be used as evidence during a judicial proceeding.

Health Program Investigation Specialists typically evaluate and implement polices, procedures and systems for the prevention, detection, investigations, and prosecution of fraud and abuse of violations of the Public Health Law in programs related to DOH.  In addition, incumbents supervise subordinate investigators by assigning cases, reviewing reports, tracking the status of investigations, providing training and technical assistance, and evaluating staff performance.  In addition, they prepare written reports on the status of assigned cased and personally coordinate and conduct difficult investigations.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

NARCOTIC INVESTIGATOR 1

Conduct licensure inspections of health care facilities, manufacturers, distributors, and researchers.

• Inspect premises and investigates personnel and records of pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers, laboratories, dispensaries, and hospitals seeking or holding licenses for the possession of narcotics.
• Inspect and audit the stocks and records of narcotic drugs of manufacturers and wholesalers, retail pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, laboratories, and dispensaries.

Investigate complaints involving diversion and trafficking of controlled substances.

• Verify by investigation the authenticity of narcotic prescriptions and other records.

• Determine that narcotic drugs are delivered to, possessed, and used by authorized persons.
• Investigate complaints or information received or developed concerning improper procurement, distribution, or diversion.
• Secure information concerning the identity and location of violators and apprehends them or secures their apprehension.
• Cooperate with all law enforcement agencies concerned with the control of narcotic drugs in their importation, production, distribution, and use.

Cooperate with Federal narcotics agents and State and local law enforcement officers in cases involving tax evasion, illicit possession and sale of narcotics, and other types of narcotics law violations.

• Apply corrective measures in instances that do not warrant punitive measures.
• Secure warrants for arrests, and act as witnesses in prosecutions, as necessary.

Advise medical professionals and others in the medical community as to the requirements, safety, and protection of narcotic drugs to be possessed by license and certificate holders authorized by the department.

• Review requests by health care facilities, pharmacists, and practitioners to destroy unwanted controlled substances on site; and
• Conduct educational and in-service for health care professionals and others on the legal requirements of prescribing, dispensing, and administering controlled substances.

Narcotic Investigator 2

May perform all of the same duties and functions as a Narcotic Investigator 1.

Advise and instruct subordinates in inspection techniques as related to evidence, prosecution, arrest, and trail.

• Direct a staff of Narcotics Investigators.
• Review their reports.
• Suggest further steps to be taken in investigations.

Supervise subordinate staff.

• Provide supervision, guidance, and oversight to subordinate staff, and intervene and resolve problems as necessary.
• Determine and oversee staff assignments. 
• Approve leave and track time and attendance.
• Review, monitor, and evaluate staff performance. 
• Complete performance evaluations.
• Identify training needs and arrange for provision of training.
• Manage and direct program activities by setting priorities and deadlines.

Plan and supervise the prevention of the diversion of narcotics to illicit channels, the investigation of the illegal distribution and use of narcotics, and the presentation of violations for prosecution.

• Discuss proper safeguarding of narcotics with manufacturers and wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and all agencies authorized to process narcotics.
• Assist in the preparation of legislation on narcotics control.
• Inspect manufacturing, wholesale, retail, or institution premises to determine that proper safeguards for the custody of narcotics are maintained.
• Pass on the issuance of licenses and certificates to manufacturers and wholesalers, hospitals, laboratories, and dispensaries permitting them to possess narcotics.

Represent the department and addresses meetings of groups affected by the public health law relating to narcotic drugs.

• Address conventions and other gatherings on this subject and prepares articles for professional journals.
• Cooperate with appropriate agencies and with State and federal officers for the control of narcotics and the dissemination of pertinent information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Narcotic Investigator 1

Open Competitive:  five years of experience as a peace officer or police officer conducting criminal investigations, handling evidence, testifying in criminal proceedings, and writing investigative reports or in investigatory experience in one or more of the following areas: professional conduct of licensed health care professionals; Controlled substance trafficking diversion; surveillance activities in a health care licensure/regulatory program or other program regulated by the New York State Department of Health; and/or experience in a governmental setting where the primary responsibility is conducting criminal investigations.

In addition, at least two years of this experience must have included significant responsibility for the investigation of controlled substance trafficking/diversion; or three years of the above mentioned experience and completion of a two year traineeship.

Narcotic Investigator 2

Open Competitive:  seven years of experience as a peace officer or police officer conducting criminal investigations, handling evidence, testifying in criminal proceedings, and writing investigative reports or in investigatory experience in one or more of the following areas: professional conduct of licensed health care professionals; Controlled substance trafficking diversion; surveillance activities in a health care licensure/regulatory program or other program regulated by the New York State Department of Health; and/or experience in a governmental setting where the primary responsibility is conducting criminal investigations.

Promotion:  one year of service as a Narcotic Investigator 1.

Substitution:  an Associates Degree in nursing or criminal justice can substitute for three years of the qualifying experience.  A Bachelors Degree with at least 30 credit hours in pharmacy, nursing, criminal justice, or law can substitute for five years of experience.

Date:  3/10

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 which were 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.