This is the first class in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Investigator Series. Positions in this class function as sworn law enforcement officers with full police powers authorized by the Code of Virginia to administer and enforce DMV laws and regulations in a specific area or geographical district. Positions in this class investigate external cases which involve titling, registration, licensing, the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax, motor vehicle dealer licensing, the Salvaged and Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, the Motor Fuels and Special Fuels Tax Act, motor vehicle odometer tampering, tax evasion and consumer fraud; and internal matters which involve embezzlement, bribery, theft or collusion of employees to defraud. This class is distinguished from the DMV Investigator Senior class by the latter class’ responsibility to lead DMV Investigators and perform more complex investigations or serve as an expert in a specialized investigative area.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which includes performing investigations to determine violation of DMV laws; performing regulatory inspections of motor vehicle dealerships to determine compliance with DMV Acts and regulations; physically examining salvage vehicles for identification; investigating customer complaints of motor vehicle dealer fraud; assessing and collecting financial penalties from those who have filed fraudulent or incorrect reports; investigating suspected violations of the Motor Fuels and Special Fuels Tax Acts; conducting surveillance to detect law violations; obtaining and preserving evidence; testifying in judicial proceedings to present testimony and/or physical evidence, and to explain driver and vehicle files; investigating vehicle demolishers to ensure that proper reports are being filed; maintaining required files, records and official reports on investigation activities; researching, examining and analyzing DMV documents, motor vehicle dealer’s and fuels dealer’s account ledgers, and complaints to detect internal and external fraud and deception; and securing warrants, writing summons and making arrests.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a DMV Investigator Supervisor.

Scope: Positions perform work which affects and facilitates the compliance with laws, rules and regulations by the general public, motor vehicle dealers and special fuels dealers; and the safety, protection and security of state-owned properties, employees and the general public.

Impact of Actions: Decisions and actions impact the agency in terms of money, services and public/employee goodwill. Ineffective decisions could inhibit the compliance with laws, rules and regulations by the general public, motor vehicle dealers and special fuels dealers and the protection and security of public property and materials. Effective job performance ensures applicable laws and regulations are enforced and properties are protected.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with the general public, motor vehicle dealers, special fuels dealers, other agencies, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and judicial staff to enforce laws, rules and regulations and provide information and assistance.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of investigation; of DMV statutes and regulations; of accounting and business practices; and of preservation and presentation of evidence.

Skills: Working skill in the use of law enforcement equipment related to the job.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to perform investigations for compliance with laws and regulations; to successfully complete law enforcement and other required training; to exercise apprehension and arrest powers; to give court testimony; to apply and interpret laws, rules and regulations; and to disassemble and reassemble motor vehicles for identification. Demonstrated ability to meet physical demands of job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver’s license and certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Education and Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in general law enforcement or related work activities.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was redefined by the Department of Motor Vehicles in September 1988 and was edited and validated as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program in March 1989.

Last updated: 4/1/89