Placer County

To assist in conducting criminal and civil investigations, including alleged welfare and other fraud, check forgeries and other violations of laws and regulations; to perform routine and preliminary data collection, gathering of evidence, and investigative research; to perform a variety of clerical and related duties; and to assist in community outreach.

Positions in this classification are located in the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office.

When assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, investigations focus on gathering evidence, interviewing and locating witnesses, forensic interviewing, crime scene investigations, and writing reports on findings for use in prosecution, or investigations of alleged welfare and other fraud, check forgeries and violations of welfare law and regulations.

When assigned to the Sheriff’s Office, investigations focus on gathering information and evidence, locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, recording statements, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, reviewing police reports, preparing court exhibits and/or testifying in court.

• Perform and assist in routine investigations of purported law violations including alleged violations of welfare law and regulations and the possibility of welfare fraud and check forgeries or in civil cases, conduct investigations of employee misconduct, tort claims, and citations.
• Perform early fraud and related investigations; conduct home visits to observe and look for irregularities and inconsistencies with applicants' documentation and statements or in civil cases, interview, by telephone or in person, complainants, dependents, and witnesses recording and documenting interviews.
• Perform investigations of missing persons and/or runaways; conduct home visits and interview family members.
• Research and collect required data and documentation for records and criminal case work; obtain court, law enforcement and other records; locate and interview witnesses, record statements, and collect and preserve evidence as directed.
• Receive fraud or employee misconduct complaints via the telephone and/or correspondence; request necessary information and documentation and complete appropriate paperwork/forms to initiate or document action taken.
• Review cases, case files, police reports, perform necessary follow-up and/or further investigation and make recommendations for appropriate action/disposition.
• Coordinate with attorneys and investigators in performing ongoing investigations of alleged violations of welfare laws and regulations, purported law violations, tort claims and litigation including service of subpoenas in non-confrontational circumstances.
• Maintain records of investigative and related activities; prepare reports, correspondence and recommendations as necessary and upon request.
• Conduct forensic interviews of children using an evidence-based protocol.
• Assist in community outreach efforts; update social media platforms.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Photograph and/or diagram crime scenes.
• Prepare court exhibits and/or testify in court.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment and controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years' experience, either as a California Peace Officer as defined by Section 830 of the California Penal Code, or as a Community Service Officer or equivalent position with a law enforcement agency performing crime prevention and other law enforcement related work

OR

Three years of experience performing civilian field, office clerical or secretarial work in direct support of higher-level law enforcement or private sector management.

OR

Three years performing public assistance eligibility determination.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Completion of POST certified PC 832 course is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic investigative techniques and procedures, including resources for locating people.
• Public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Basic accounting and mathematics.
• Basic criminal and civil law, civil process and procedures including rules of evidence.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witness; identify suspects; apply the law to field situations; observe while conducting surveillance; problem solve crime situations; and explain law to the public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in a vehicle; walk, stand, bend, squat and kneel while retrieving files and documents; walk, stand, or climb stairs during field interviews, home visits or surveillance activities; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation.  Use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means or retrieve information/data; see with sufficient acuity to observe subjects; hear and speak with sufficient acuity to interview and communicate with subjects, witnesses and other parties; and lift moderate weight.
• Learn the California statutory laws related to criminal or civil investigation, including welfare fraud investigation, arrest, custody, rules of evidence, search and seizure, interviewing and interrogation, and hearing and trial procedures.
• Learn modern police science, technology and investigative techniques.
• Learn to analyze and evaluate evidence.
• Understand complexities of civil law, public assistance programs and regulations.
• Compile oral and physical evidence.
• Establish rapport with and manage witnesses.
• Take detailed statements and affidavits.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interview and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Work unusual and/or prolonged work schedules while conducting investigations.
• Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, dictation machine, facsimile machine, postage meter and photocopy machine.
• Use tools and equipment used in investigation including flashlight, binoculars, camera, police radio, and tape recorder.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Read and comprehend reports.

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments from open eligible lists to positions in the classified service shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:
General