Computer Forensics Investigator
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigates crimes committed by Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) employees, crimes and delinquent conduct committed at a TJJD state-operated facility or contracted facility, and crimes involving TJJD interests; detects, intercepts, and investigates contraband within secure and non-secure TJJD-operated and contracted facilities; locates and apprehends TJJD youth who have escaped, absconded, or violated a condition of their release from TJJD; operates a 24-hour Incident Reporting Center (IRC) to receive and document allegations of criminal activity involving TJJD interests and reports of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of TJJD youth; prepares and submits reports regarding criminal investigations and OIG operations to the TJJD board, members of the legislature, and other state agencies; and monitors compliance with the TJJD Use of Force Plan.
Performs highly complex (senior-level) investigative work. Serves as a Commissioned Peace Officer for the TJJD Office of Inspector General. Work involves planning, organizing, and conducting investigations of criminal violations occurring on TJJD property or involving TJJD interests and allegations of serious employee misconduct to include allegations of excessive and unnecessary use of force, harassment, retaliation, sexual assault and other criminal allegations involving youth and/or staff. Assigned state, county (Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, Juvenile Detention Center, and Juvenile Probation Office), and contract care investigations involving digital media.
Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per work week and be on call. Extensive statewide travel is required, including instances of travel with very little notice.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conducts investigations, evaluates allegations of employee misconduct, identifies investigative issues, recognizes administrative violations, collects and evaluates evidence to formulate defensible investigative conclusions, and testifies in court and in other official proceedings.
Investigates criminal offenses, obtains and executes warrants, assists other law enforcement agencies, conducts undercover investigations, pursues escapees and fugitives, makes arrests, and provides security.
Conducts routine, random, or specifically requested searches and inspections of facility premises and vehicles entering or on facility premises.
Manages investigative caseloads.
Prepares reports of investigations and criminal cases for prosecution and maintains records of investigative cases, evidence, and property.
Documents and coordinates maintenance of seized contraband in compliance with agency policies; contacts local law enforcement as necessary.
Records all training and other activities and maintains such records; completes monthly activity reports.
Collaborates with departmental staff in meeting established objectives and goals; shares information, identifies concerns and trends; recommends improvements to resolve problems or enhance operations.
May perform specialized duties to include fugitive task force operations, undercover and proactive investigative operations, and field training responsibilities.
May participate in joint homeland security initiatives with other governmental law enforcement agencies.
May train others.
Monitors outcomes for racial, ethnic and gender disparities and takes action to address identified disparities.
Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.
Performs all duties in compliance with TJJD safety policies and procedures.
• Reports safety hazards and, when possible, corrects hazards.
• Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma or equivalent. Six (6) years of full-time wage-earning experience that may be any combination of the following: investigative or law enforcement work; canine officer or canine handler; military police; or experience as a correctional officer, case manager, social worker, human services specialist, parole officer, or probation officer working with juveniles or adults.
Requirements:
• Must currently hold an active Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer license and be eligible for appointment as set forth in Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 7, Chapter 217.
• Must have a valid driver license.
Preferences:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, behavioral science, legal studies, or a related field.
• TCOLE Intermediate Peace Officer certification.
• Law enforcement investigative experience.
• Military police experience.
Experience and Education Substitutions:
• Completed course hours of undergraduate study may be substituted for up to four years of experience on a basis of 30 course hours for one year of experience.
• Experience requirements may be satisfied by the prorated part-time equivalent.
A current TCOLE peace officer proficiency certification higher than the basic level may substitute for experience as follows: (1) intermediate – one year of experience; (2) advanced – two years of experience; (3) masters – four years of experience.
Note: Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.
Requirements for continued employment:
• Maintain a valid driver license.
• Maintain a valid TCOLE peace officer license.
Failure to maintain required licensure/certification will result in termination of employment.
This position is subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing and any offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable results from a drug screen conducted for the agency.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to perform tactile discernment
Ability to hear (with or without aid)
Ability to see
Analyzing
Climbing ladders
Climbing stairs
Crawling
Depth perception
Finger/manual dexterity
Dual simultaneous grasping
Heavy lifting, up to 25 lbs.
Heavy carrying, up to 25 lbs.
Identify colors
Kneeling
Operate motor equipment
Pulling
Pushing
Reaching above shoulder
Repeated bending
Running
Sitting
Standing
Stooping
Twisting
Walking
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
• Or ability to acquire knowledge of TJJD programs, policies, and procedures
• The criminal justice system’s functions and operations, of investigative and law enforcement methods and practices, of federal and state law enforcement laws, and of methods and procedures for defusing and managing volatile situations and those involving violent and hostile offenders.
• Court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.
• Investigative principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Federal and state statutory procedural law to include the Texas Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedures; current case law that impacts the functions of the Investigations division, legal and procedural rules of evidence, and laws of arrest, search, and seizure.
Skill in:
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate being fair, impartial, and unaffected by personal biases in professional dealings.
• And willingness to physically restrain youth in the appropriate manner.
• Use of firearms.
• Maintaining written files and records.
• Maintaining order and discipline and acting quickly in emergencies.
Ability to:
• Secure and process crime scenes, collect and preserve physical evidence, prepare concise reports, and prepare criminal cases for prosecution.
• Train others.
• Plan, organize, and conduct investigations.
• Appropriately respond to abusive language and conduct in a manner consistent with instructions received in training.
• Remain alert, observant, and physically able to respond appropriately to work situations or emergencies including, but not limited to, physical restraint of youth.
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
• Conduct interviews, gather facts, prepare comprehensive and detailed reports of investigations, and prepare criminal cases for prosecution.
• Evaluate findings and prepare reports.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend and execute written and verbal instructions.
• Follow ethical standards and enforce agency policies.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; and meet deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders and maintain a professional, courteous demeanor.
• Process information logically, make decisions, and demonstrate the soundness of those decisions.
• Work flexible hours, be on-call, and travel as needed.