Background investigator h1.location_city

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is the independent law enforcement agency dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of the Texas juvenile justice system. It has statutory responsible to investigate criminal allegations involving TJJD juveniles, employees, facilities, contractors, volunteers or programs within the Texas juvenile justice system. OIG inspectors general oversee criminal investigations and possess all the power and duties granted to peace officers under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.Their authority extends to parole officers and facilities operating under contract with TJJD.Specialized inspectors employed by the OIG investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation by staff against justice-involved youth at both the state and county levels. The OIG also provides security at gatehouses, controlling the ingress and egress of all personnel and vehicles.Additionally, they are responsible for detecting and intercepting contraband to prevent its introduction into secure facilities operated by the TJJD. The OIG operates the 24-hour Incident Reporting Center (IRC), serving as the reporting and clearinghouse for the Texas juvenile justice system. The IRC receives and documents allegations of criminal and administrative misconduct including fraud, waste, abuse, neglect, and exploitation related to juveniles, facilities, and programs under the jurisdiction of the TJJD. Criminal analysts employed by the OIG compile and submit reports regarding criminal and administrative investigations and OIG operations to the TJJD board members, the legislature, and other state agencies.They also monitor compliance with the TJJD Use of Force Plan.

Performs investigative law enforcement work. Serves as a commissioned peace officer for the Office of Inspector General at the Juvenile Justice Department. Work involves planning, organizing, and conducting investigations on agency property or involving agency interests.Work may require use of canine partners to aid in the detection, interception, and investigation of contraband within secure and non-secure TJJD-operated and contracted facilities and detection of articles and human scents in the event of an escape.

Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek and be on call.This position may be required to respond to a designated location within 60 minutes. Extensive statewide travel is required, including instances of travel with very little notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Oversees, obtains, and executes warrants; assists other law enforcement agencies; conducts undercover investigations; and performs arrests and facility security duties, including escapee pursuit.

Oversees and evaluates evidence; prepares comprehensive reports of investigations; and submits criminal cases for prosecution and administrative reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to agency leadership for discipline.

Documents and oversees investigative activity in accordance with standard operating procedures and maintains records of cases, evidence, contraband, and property in compliance with applicable laws and retention policies.

Conducts routine, random, or specifically requested searches and inspections of the facility premises, persons, and vehicles entering or on facility premises. Records all training and other activities and maintains such records; and completes monthly activity reports.

Coordinates with departmental staff to meet objectives, shares information on investigative activities, identifies operational concerns and trends, and recommends improvements.

Collects and analyzes reports of serious injury, escape, youth-on-youth assaults, and attempted suicide; issues reports regarding non-compliance with related state laws and agency rules; and issues reports regarding need for technical assistance. May be assigned as a computer forensic investigator.

Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures.

Reports safety hazards and corrects them when possible; and completes required documentation for accidents or injuries within specified timeframes.

Provides training to others.

May be assigned a canine partner to assist with the detection, interception, and investigation of contraband in both secure and non-secure areas of agency-operated and contracted facilities.

Performs related work as assigned.

Extensive statewide travel is required, including instances of travel with very little notice.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, social work, behavioral science, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent.Four (4) years of full-time wage-earning experience that may be any combination of the following:investigative or law enforcement work; canine officer or canine handler; military police; security officer; or experience as a correctional officer, parole officer, or probation officer working with juveniles or adults.

Required:

• Active Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer license and be eligible for appointment as set forth in Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 7, Chapter 217.
• Valid driver’s license.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, behavioral science, legal studies, or a related field.
• Basic instructor certification (TCOLE)
• Intermediate Peace Officer certification (TCOLE).
• Law enforcement investigative experience.
• Military police experience.

Experience and Education Substitutions:

A current TCOLE peace officer proficiency certification above the basic level may substitute for experience as follows: (1) intermediate – one year of experience; (2) advanced – two years of experience; (3) masters – four years of experience.

Completed course hours of undergraduate study may substitute for up to four years of experience on a basis of 30 course hours for one year of experience.

Completed course hours of graduate study may substitute for up to two years of experience on a basis of 12 graduate course hours for one year of experience.

.

This position may be subject to a written exercise and a physical fitness assessment.

Requirements for Continued Employment:

·Maintain a valid driver license.

·Maintain a valid TCOLE peace officer license.

·If assigned a canine partner, must be certified annually and trained in passive canine alert

indication.

·Failure to maintain required licenses/certifications will result in termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

·Knowledge of agency programs, policies, procedures, and facility rules

·Knowledge of the criminal justice system and court procedures

·Knowledge of investigative and law enforcement methods and practices

·Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, including Texas Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedures, case law impacting investigations, statutory and procedural law

·Knowledge of techniques for managing volatile or hostile situations.

·Skill in maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating fairness and impartiality.

·Skill in appropriately restraining youth.

·Skill in using firearms, intermediate weapons, and defensive tactics.

·Skill in administering first aid.

·Skill in maintaining written records.

·Skill in enforcing order and discipline and responding effectively in emergencies.

·Skill in operating computers and other standard office equipment.

·Skill in utilizing data and reports as administrative tools.

·Skill in and organizing, prioritizing, and managing tasks within deadlines.

·Ability to secure and process crime scenes.

·Ability to collect and preserve evidence.

·Ability to conduct investigations and interviews.

·Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, affidavits, warrants, and cases for prosecution.

·Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations.

·Ability to uphold ethical standards and enforce policies and laws

·Ability to communicate effectively and to provide guidance to others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Analyzing

Alphabetizing

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to see

Ability to hear (with or without aid)

Ability to perform tactile discernment

Identify colors

Depth perception

Operate motor equipment

Lifting, 45lbs., or heavier

Carrying, 45lbs., or heavier

Restraining combative youth

Pulling

Pushing

Prolonged standing and walking

Walking

Standing

Sitting

Prolonged sitting

Repeated bending

Reaching above shoulder

Manual/finger dexterity

Dual simultaneous grasping

Crawling

Twisting

Kneeling

Stooping

Climbing stairs

Climbing ladders