CRIME INVESTIGATOR

PUBLIC SAFETY

BILLINGS, MT

MISSION - Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment.

If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

JOB OVERVIEW – The Criminal Investigator works closely with Office of Investigations’ Investigators, Intelligence Analyst, and Intelligence Research Specialists to conduct a variety of investigations and to gather intelligence within the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC), and its contract facilities. The types of cases investigated can be either criminal or administrative and may involve violations of facility or departmental rules, regulations, policies, or violations of law on the part of prisoners, staff, or visitors. The Criminal Investigator will primarily conduct criminal investigations occurring within Montana Women’s Prison in Billings, Montana. These investigations include the crimes of: murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and illegal use of drugs, introduction of contraband, robbery, theft, arson, and fraud. Additional duties as follows:

Conducts assigned investigations concerning very sensitive security issues potentially involving inmates, visitors and staff. Identifies and locates witnesses, victims and suspects; interviews witnesses, victims and suspects by using proper interview techniques and knowledge of the requirements and limitations of Miranda Rights. Examines crime scenes to gather physical evidence and other information relevant to the investigation. Properly identifies and collects evidence at a crime scene using best practices which include: photographing, diagramming, and documenting the evidence through appropriate logs and chains of custody. Properly packages and submits evidence to the crime lab by using proper packaging methods. Maintain secure evidence storage to ensure that crime scene evidence and properties are free from tampering. Prepares detailed, accurate, and timely Investigative Case Reports. Maintains complete records for all cases being investigated and helps to ensure that all relevant documents are submitted to the case files. Testifies in criminal, civil and administrative actions as the investigating officer for the department to ensure successful prosecution or determination of the incident. Prepares and executes search warrants, petitions, formal orders, affidavits, and other legal documents. Receives and reviews Institutional Incident Reports for potential intelligence, criminal, and administrative case information. Ensures that the information is disseminated to the Investigations’ Manager for new case openings and to other Office of Investigations personnel, and the appropriate case files on existing cases. Collects, analyzes, and interprets intelligence information obtained from a variety of sources to uncover links, patterns, and trends of criminal activity. Disseminates criminal activity and intelligence trends to appropriate investigative authority. Obtains warrant information from the County Attorney on all escapees from DOC secure facilities and enters the warrant into the Crime Justice Information Network (CJIN). Works with various law enforcement agencies to try and ensure the effective recovery of escapees. Coordinates with the County Attorney on cases to charge the escapees after they are recovered. Coordinates and facilitates requests for assistance from various law enforcement agencies on information needed to properly investigate internal or external criminal activity. Provides training and instruction to staff on securing and protecting a crime scene; collecting and preserving of evidence; and the proper packaging of evidence by first responders to a crime scene inside a facility. Performs other work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Three years conducting broad-based criminal investigations required. Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or other related fields is preferred. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Must have a Montana Post Certificate as a Peace Officer or be able to obtain reciprocity by Montana POST if certified as a Peace Officer in another state. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Training- death investigations (natural, suicide, homicide), aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, basic drug, robbery, theft, arson, fraud, and electronic surveillance.

Montana POST LE certification preferred.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS – Cover Letter, Resume, State of Montana Application

Applications missing required documentation will not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS - Health, dental, vision & prescription coverage for self or dependents available from date of hire, 15 paid vacation days, 12 sick days & 10-11 paid holidays annually, and membership in Retirement system with state contribution (vesting applies). Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.

Student Loan Forgiveness: This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness on student loans after 120 qualifying payments have been made.

For more information http://statecareers.mt.gov/Portals/103/StatewideBenefitsFlyer.pdf

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 - Any person who has been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or is the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or any person who has been civilly or administratively adjusted to have engaged in the activity as described are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.

The Montana Department of Corrections is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO (Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority, Female, Disabled, Veteran, Sexual Orientation)

Three years conducting broad-based criminal investigations required. Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or other related fields is preferred. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Must have a Montana Post Certificate as a Peace Officer or be able to obtain reciprocity by Montana POST if certified as a Peace Officer in another state. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Training- death investigations (natural, suicide, homicide), aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, basic drug, robbery, theft, arson, fraud, and electronic surveillance.

Montana POST LE certification preferred.