STATE POLICE LEGAL SPECIALIST 71141

2/1/92 B

This is the single class in the State Police Legal Research series which is responsible for providing legal advice, training, and research, primarily for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Monitors civil litigation involving the agency, conducts research into its causes, and recommends the adoption of agency policies and procedures designed to avoid or lessen agency civil liability; however, this class is not responsible for representing the agency in civil litigation. Positions in this class exercise full police powers in all jurisdictions and carry weapons, as authorized by the Code of Virginia.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty, including training personnel from state and local law enforcement agencies in basic and in-service schools and in local and regional training centers. Presents classes in criminal law, search and seizure procedures, arrest and evidence rules, and updates on recent court decisions; researches cases and legal publications to develop lesson plans; interprets information for investigations concerning precedents and procedures; and ensures agency administration is aware of changes in legal issues. Assists agency personnel and Commonwealth's Attorneys in preparing legal documents and rendering opinions and advice; preparing legislative proposals; and conducting criminal investigations where unusual political and legal considerations are involved. Interviews witnesses, executes search and arrest warrants, conducts surveillance, and testifies in court.

Supervision Given: None. Provides advice and guidance to law enforcement officers and others, both inside and outside the agency.

Supervision Received: General direction is received from the State Police Bureau Deputy Director or other agency administrator.

Scope: The responsibilities assigned involve the interpretation of legal issues on the local, state, and federal level as they affect law enforcement within the Commonwealth. Trains state and local law enforcement officers.

Impact of Actions: Opinions and training provided affect the accuracy and quality of affidavits and other legal documents prepared for criminal investigations and arrests, searches and seizures, and interception of private communications. Inappropriate or inaccurate actions could result in the violation of citizens' constitutional rights, dismissal of charges based on technical errors, and monetary losses resulting from civil litigation.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to exchange information, conduct training, and assist in case preparation.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth; criminal proceedings; techniques of legal research; policies and procedures of the agency; and criminal investigative techniques and procedures.

Skills: Considerable skill in the use of firearms and other weapons.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations; conduct research and analyze data; conduct criminal investigations; and meet the physical demands required in making searches, seizures, and arrests.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses and Certification: Licensed as an attorney by the Virginia State Bar, certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and possession of a Virginia driver's license.

Other Requirements: Must be a United States citizen, meet the requirements of a background investigation, and successfully complete a physical examination conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with a graduate degree in law and successful completion of the Basic Training School at the State Police Academy, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in law enforcement and criminal law involving legal research, training, or prosecuting.

This class replaces State Police Investigation Special Assistant, which was established in 1981. The class specification was revised and published under the new title, effective February 1992.