DISTRICT ATTORNEY INVESTIGATOR I DEFINITION Under supervision, investigates cases of suspected welfare fraud and other criminal activity to obtain facts and evidence in support of administrative action and prosecution; recommends appropriate action for the disposition of welfare fraud cases; and does other work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the working-level welfare fraud investigator and the trainee-level criminal investigator class in the District Attorney Investigator series. Positions in this class are assigned primarily to the investigation of suspected welfare fraud cases. As Investigators receive training and experience, they may be called upon to investigate categories of crime other than welfare fraud. The District Attorney Investigator I has peace officer status (Section 830.1 of the California Penal Code) and the Bureau of Investigation in which it works is P.O.S.T. certified. This class is distinguished from that of District Attorney Investigator II in that the latter is the journey-level criminal investigator, exercises greater independence and discretion in choosing methods for completing assignments, and is assigned general law enforcement and criminal investigations. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 1. Investigates suspected welfare fraud by tracing and locating absent parents and contacting a variety of parties to insure and verify information. 2. Reviews and evaluates evidence in each case to ascertain if a violation of the law has occurred and recommends appropriate action to the Deputy District Attorney; signs complaints issued by the Deputy District Attorney and/or to the fraud unit of the Monterey County Department of Social and Employment Services (MCDSES). 3. Confers with defense attorneys, family support officers, eligibility workers and Probation Department officials regarding possible resolution of cases. 4. Prepares detailed reports of the actions taken and the findings of an investigation. 5. Assists MCDSES Hearing Officers with administrative hearings when a criminal prosecution does not appear warranted. 6. Prepares promissory notes for restitution in cases where evidence is not sufficient for criminal prosecution.
7. Testifies in trials and at administrative hearings in regard to welfare fraud and other cases. 8. As assigned, may investigate categories of crime other than welfare fraud. 9. Makes arrests on probable cause and pursuant to arrest warrants and as otherwise allowed by law (Section 836 of the California Penal Code). 10. Renders emergency assistance to fellow peace officers and the public when appropriate. 11. Prepares, serves and returns search warrants, subpoenas, promissory notes and other documents as needed to complete the case or mission assigned. QUALIFICATIONS A combination of experience, education, and/or training which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of: 1. Investigative techniques and procedures. 2. The basic principles of identification, preservation and presentation of evidence. 3. The laws of arrest, search and seizure. 4. Principles and techniques of effective investigative report writing 5. Financial record keeping. Skill and ability to: 1. Learn, interpret and apply provisions of welfare rules and regulations, welfare fraud statutes and other applicable laws. 2. Gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions from the information gathered. 3. Obtain information and evidence by lawful means and evaluate that evidence for purposes of investigation and prosecution utilizing skills of observation, analytical thinking, record examination and interview.
4. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, law enforcement and social service agencies and the general public. 5. Prepare detailed written investigative reports, correspondence and memoranda. 6. Operate a personal computer to prepare reports, search data bases, process digital photographs and to utilize network and/or web-based programs and applications REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031 and Section 1005 of the Regulations of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and Penal Code Section 832: 1. Attain a Basic POST Certificate prior to or at the completion of the 12 month probationary period. 2. Successfully complete a POST-certified Investigation and Trial Preparation Course within 12 months from the date of appointment. 3. Meet the California Government Codes 1029 and 1031 Peace Officer requirements, including passing a required psychological exam, medical exam as well as a background investigation. 4. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. 5. Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate at the high school level. 6. Have uncorrected vision of 20/100 or better in each eye, correctable to 20/30 in each eye; normal color vision; normal hearing. 7. Work flexible hours, shifts, weekends and holidays; occasionally travel out of County and frequently travel throughout County. 8. Possess a valid Class C California driver s license by date of appointment. EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of experiences, education or training, typically: Successful completion of a POST-certified Basic Police Academy course (NOTE: The District Attorney s office does not pay to send candidates through the Basic Police Academy course. Therefore, candidates must have completed the Academy prior to appointment.)
AND Some experience in a position requiring gathering, analyzing, and evaluating facts, and preparing written reports of findings AND Coursework in Administration of Justice, Criminology, Law or Criminal Justice from an accredited college or university PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS The physical and sensory abilities required for this classification include: 1. Ability to meet the medical and physical standards under the California Peace Officer Standards and Training. 2. Ability to sit, stand, and/or drive for extended periods of time. 3. Mobility, flexibility, gross body coordination, and dexterity sufficient to stand, stoop, reach, bend, twist, and turn in order to view crime scenes and examine physical evidence. 4. Ability to pursue and physically detain hostile individuals. 5. Acute vision, visual color discrimination, hearing, voice, smell, and sense of touch in order to detect and examine crime scenes and all manner of physical objects, including items of evidence such as weapons, photographs, diagrams, fingerprint impression and trace evidence and to clearly see and identify people. 6. Ability to develop and maintain manual dexterity, visual acuity and physical strength necessary to demonstrate proficiency with a duty weapon and other equipment as issued. 7. Ability to speak clearly and with volume required to conduct interrogations and to carry on clear conversations in person, over the radio, and on the telephone.