Major Case Agent

State of Montana • Billings, MT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Criminal Investigator position in the Major Case Section which coordinates investigations and conducts criminal investigations with city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies at their request. The section also coordinates and conducts criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Montana State Fund and the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice. These investigations include—but are not limited to—homicide and other violent crimes, in-custody assaults and deaths including officer-involved shooting events and critical incidents, organized crime activity, white-collar crime, sex crimes, corruption, official misconduct, theft, complex financial crimes, and internal agency investigations. Criminal Investigators (Agents) respond to callouts, process crime scenes and collect evidence, conduct field interviews/interrogations, complete follow-up investigative work to build a case file, assist prosecutors and testify in court. Major Case Agents also provide training to law enforcement agencies and public safety sectors throughout the state. This position will primarily focus on criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Motor Vehicle Division.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Three years of criminal, investigative, or law-enforcement experience.
• Firearms’ training is mandated for peace officer requirements and liability.
• Current POST Law Enforcement Basic Certificate (or equivalent from another state) required.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for the POST Law Enforcement Intermediate Certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Extensive knowledge of law enforcement; investigative procedures; planning; report writing, coordinating the activities of multiple agencies and jurisdictions; developing, conducting and presenting complex long-term cases; criminal procedures, collection and rules of evidence, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations, family services, Social Services and Institutions and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information.
• Knowledgeable, proficient, and skilled in the use of firearms.
• Knowledgeable regarding proper procedures for writing and executing search warrants, investigative subpoenas, and forfeiture documents.
• Skill in using all types of complicated equipment necessary to conduct criminal investigations; conducting undercover investigations; making correct/legal and appropriate decisions in highly stressful situations; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; and in reviewing case plans and information.
• Skilled in drafting and presenting search warrants, investigative subpoenas and forfeiture documents to prosecutors and judges for review and issuance.
• Skill in examining all types of evidence to determine its relevance to the prosecution of the case and to properly document its relationship to the case and criminals.
• Knowledge of Montana Codes Annotated (MCA) dealing with crimes (MCA, Title 45, "Crimes"), criminal procedure (MCA, Title 46, "Criminal Procedure"), rules of evidence (MCA, Title 26, Chapter 10, "Montana Rules of Evidence"), seizures related to contraband, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations (MCA, Title 44, Chapter 5, "Criminal Justice Information"); family services (MCA, Title 52); Social Services and Institutions (MCA, Title 53); CFR 18 and 42; ARMs; and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information and rules of evidence.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or closely related with coursework in criminal justice field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of investigative experience with a minimum of two (2) years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a state agent is expected to handle.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates investigations and conducts criminal investigations with city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies at their request.
• Coordinates and conducts criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Montana State Fund and the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice.
• Responds to callouts, processes crime scenes and collects evidence.
• Conducts field interviews/interrogations.
• Completes follow-up investigative work to build a case file.
• Assists prosecutors and testifies in court.
• Provides training to law enforcement agencies and public safety sectors throughout the state.
• Primarily focuses on criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Motor Vehicle Division.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED