This is the single journey level class in the Police Series that concentrates on the investigative function of a law enforcement, security or public safety program of an educational institution or other independent agency. Positions in this class investigate to determine the cause or persons responsible for crimes, accidents, and alleged or suspected violations of laws and regulations which occur within the jurisdiction of an independent agency or educational institution. Positions in this class exercise full police powers as authorized by the Code of Virginia, within a limited jurisdiction, and carry weapons. This class is distinguished from the Police Officer class by the Investigator’s responsibility to focus on investigative work and the complexity of the research required to gather information or evidence in order to formulate findings. This class is distinguished from the Police Sergeant by the Sergeant’s supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves the investigation of alleged or suspected violations of laws and regulations, complaints, crimes and accidents in order to prepare a report of findings. Work typically involves inspecting crime scenes; identification, collection, analysis, and packaging of physical evidence; sketching or photographing crime or accident scenes; interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects; transporting physical evidence to crime laboratory; researching or inspecting records, reports and documents; preparing investigative reports in order to make recommendations as to action required. May cite, ticket, detain or arrest persons suspected or alleged to have violated laws or regulations. Positions testify in court or before administrative hearings regarding investigative findings; design, develop, compile and update reports and crime statistics; and conduct background investigations. May inspect, examine or observe physical plant and grounds in order to make recommendations concerning crime prevention, safety and security; and may be required to use cameras and fingerprint equipment. Positions in this class may also occasionally perform general law enforcement duties.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may direct police officers assigned to assist in an investigation effort.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a higher level police authority.

Scope: Positions in this class are responsible for investigative work which affects the ability of a law enforcement program to apprehend and convict or exonerate persons suspected or alleged to have violated laws and regulations or to determine the reason or cause of accidents within an independent agency’s or educational institution’s jurisdiction.

Impact of Actions: Errors in conclusions could have a moderate affect on the law enforcement effort and program of the independent agency or educational institution. Incorrect decisions could have an adverse impact on other investigations and research and result in additional costs, loss of confidence in the integrity of the program, and loss of public/employee goodwill.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with employees and clients, outside law enforcement and regulatory agencies, resource specialists, forensic laboratories to collect, compile and exchange information in order to develop investigative findings.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of agency regulations and of local, state and federal laws. Working knowledge of investigative and law enforcement techniques and procedures.

Skills: Considerable skill in the use of police and investigative equipment relevant to the job, and in the use of carried weapons.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence; to conduct interviews; to communicate effectively and accurately both orally and in writing; to apply and interpret laws, rules and regulations; and to preserve and maintain official records. Demonstrated ability to meet physical demands of job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

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

Other Requirements: Must be a United States citizen.

Education and Training: Graduation from high school or equivalency, and training related to the duties of the position.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in security or law enforcement.

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

This position was redefined and re-titled in June 1988 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This replaces the Campus Police Investigator class.

Last updated: 7/1/88