Conducts specialized investigative work which includes creative approaches to investigations, gathering and analyzing applicable records and reports, determining the direction of investigations and setting priorities. Often plans, organizes, and supervises the activities of other law enforcement investigators in an assigned criminal justice program.
Investigators in this class supervise and organize the professional program, field, investigative, and training work in a criminal justice program with statewide scope and accountability or serve as a senior resource overseeing the most complex or sensitive investigations.
Provides leadership and guidance on complex investigations to prosecutors and investigators, serving as technical expert and senior resource. Maintains effective working relationships with all levels of law enforcement to be able to review prior work and continue the investigation as needed to bring cases to a resolution, often through complex criminal trials. Performs field work which may include surveillance, executing search warrants, apprehending and arresting suspected criminals, reviewing and analyzing digital evidence, interviewing witnesses, interviewing suspects, collecting and auditing records and/or operations of assigned programs to determine compliance or violations of the law. Collects information related to incident(s), reviews applicable records and reports. Prepares written reports on findings. Testifies in court and other legal proceedings. Coordinates with and assists local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Plans, coordinates, directs, and manages administrative activities and/or field work for law enforcement investigators. Selects, supervises and evaluates personnel in an area of investigation with statewide scope involving considerable complexity. Advises personnel of changes in laws, regulations, external and internal policies and procedures and ensures the work is compliant. Monitors the work of personnel through reviews of performance and reports and through personal observation and initiates actions to correct any deficiencies. Monitors expenditures and ensures proper utilization of equipment, personnel, and other resources. Trains personnel in how to properly perform their duties.
Knowledge of proper law enforcement officer behavior and role. Thorough knowledge of modern criminal justice and law enforcement procedure, policies and practices. Knowledge of how to collect and preserve evidence. Knowledge of the laws one is responsible for enforcing. Knowledge of the legal rights of both suspects and law enforcement personnel. Ability to effectively interview witnesses and suspects. Skill in the operation of law enforcement weapons and communications equipment. Ability to represent the agency effectively in dealings with the public. Ability to write clearly and effectively. Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in making decisions. Ability to supervise the work of others. Ability to lead, guide, train, advise and assist personnel in a manner conducive to high professional standards, full performance and good morale. Ability to build and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships among agency employees and other law enforcement organizations to ensure an integrated and cooperative law enforcement effort.
Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with Section 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976. Some positions require a commercial driver's license.
A bachelor’s degree and investigative experience with a public law enforcement agency. Investigative experience with a public law enforcement agency may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.