Narcotics Criminal Investigator

State of Montana•Billings, MT

About The Position

The Narcotics Criminal Investigator works within the Narcotics Bureau of Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The position coordinates and conducts investigations into felony violations of Montana Criminal Codes and other crimes referred by external agencies, with a focus on narcotics enforcement. Investigations primarily involve violations of state and federal dangerous drug laws, as well as other felony offenses. The investigator works proactively and undercover to develop cases, and coordinates with agencies to provide investigative, law-enforcement, and criminal-intelligence expertise. The role also responds to methamphetamine laboratories and provides drug-related training to audiences statewide. DCI provides investigative support to state, local, and tribal law enforcement, including services related to homicide, narcotics, criminal records, cybercrime, human trafficking, missing persons, and public-safety training.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Three years of criminal, investigative, or law-enforcement experience.
Current POST Law Enforcement Basic Certificate, or an equivalent certificate from another state.
Must meet eligibility requirements for the POST Law Enforcement Intermediate Certificate.
Valid driver’s license.
Firearms training is mandated for peace officer requirements and liability.
Knowledge of law enforcement, investigative procedures, criminal procedure, evidence collection and rules, report writing, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.
Knowledge of undercover investigations, search warrant and subpoena procedures, forfeiture documents, and relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
Knowledge of applicable Montana statutes and regulations concerning crimes, criminal procedure, evidence, contraband seizures, criminal justice information and privacy/security, family services, and social services and institutions.
Proficiency with firearms and complicated equipment used in criminal investigations.
Ability to make appropriate and legally correct decisions in highly stressful situations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to examine evidence, assess its relevance to prosecution, and document its relationship to cases and suspects.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered case by case.
Successful applicants are subject to criminal history fingerprint checks, an intensive background check, driving history review, psychological evaluation, drug testing, and medical evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field, with criminal justice coursework, from an accredited college or university.
Five years of investigative experience, including at least two years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those handled by a state agent.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and conduct investigations of felony violations of Montana Criminal Codes and other crimes referred by external agencies.
Coordinate and execute criminal investigations focused on narcotics enforcement and dangerous drug laws.
Work undercover and proactively to develop cases involving state and federal drug laws and other felony violations.
Coordinate with multiple agencies and jurisdictions to provide investigative, law-enforcement, and criminal-intelligence expertise.
Respond to methamphetamine laboratories.
Provide drug-related training to audiences statewide.
Plan, develop, conduct, document, and present complex, long-term criminal cases.
Examine and document evidence and its relevance to prosecution.
Prepare and present search warrants, investigative subpoenas, and forfeiture documents to prosecutors and judges.