APPLICANT INVESTIGATOR 5765

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class of positions performs professional pre-employment investigative duties regarding job applicants for civilian and sworn positions in the Suffolk County Police Department or investigates applicants for permits in the department’s Pistol License Bureau. The incumbent is involved in interviewing applicants and interpretation of correspondence related to civilian and sworn applicant investigations. Work is performed under the supervision of the commanding officer in charge of the Applicant Investigation Unit or Pistol Licensing Bureau and is reviewed through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Coordinates and performs all activities related to the processing of background investigations for prospective Department civilian and sworn personnel;

Coordinates and performs all activities related to the processing of background investigations for pistol permit applicants;

Conducts field interviews as part of a pre-employment background investigation for all job applicants for civilian and sworn positions in the Suffolk County Police Department;

Composes and sends correspondence necessary to complete a pre-employment background investigation;

Prepares cases and testifies at administrative hearings to remove unsatisfactory candidates from eligible lists;

Prepares cases and testifies at administrative hearings involving pistol license application disapprovals or license revocations;

Prepares formal reports with investigative findings on each civilian or sworn candidate;

Interprets police reports and other correspondence necessary for background investigation of job applicants for civilian and sworn positions;

Makes suggestions regarding the development and implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to background investigations;

Reviews investigative policies and procedures and, when indicated, recommends changes to improve efficiency and streamline operations;

May testify in court proceedings and trials;

Assists outside police and other governmental agencies with investigations of mutual concern.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of interviewing techniques; working knowledge of the principles, practices and methods employed in investigative work; working knowledge of applicable Civil Service Laws, Rules and procedures governing public employment; working knowledge of federal and state handgun laws and state and local licensing rules and regulations; knowledge of handguns and long guns and their safe handling; ability to deal tactfully with applicants and the general public; ability to prepare accurate reports of material ascertained in investigations; ability to accurately interpret written reports; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree; or,

b) Successful completion of sixty (60) credit hours from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university and two (2) years of personnel interviewing experience; or,

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to possess a valid New York State Driver's license, or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to obtain a valid pistol license issued by the Suffolk County Police Department at the time of appointment and maintain this license throughout employment in this title.

R04/06/06

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive