Public Integrity Investigator

City of Pontiac•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

The Investigator partners with the Public Integrity Officer (PIO) in the Code of Ethics Department to uncover, document, and address instances of waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, and misconduct within City government. This position conducts comprehensive and impartial investigations, gathers and preserves evidence, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and supports enforcement actions. The Investigator plays a critical role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in all City operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, accounting, law, or related field; equivalent investigative experience may substitute.
Proven experience conducting investigations involving fraud, corruption, ethics violations, or regulatory compliance, preferably in a public sector environment.
Knowledge of investigative methods, interviewing techniques, evidence collection, and legal procedures.
Familiarity with municipal operations, internal controls, financial audits, and ethics regulations preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills; able to produce comprehensive and legally sound reports.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain impartiality, and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public accountability.
Principles, practices, and methods of investigations, including evidence collection, interviewing, and case documentation.
Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ethics codes relevant to municipal governance and public sector conduct.
Administrative procedures, internal controls, and compliance standards in government operations.
Report writing, documentation, and presentation of findings in a clear, legally defensible manner.
Principles of risk management, fraud detection, and ethics enforcement.
Conducting thorough investigations using interviews, records analysis, and data evaluation.
Preparing clear, detailed, and objective investigative reports for administrative or legal proceedings.
Organizing, managing, and prioritizing multiple cases and tasks efficiently.
Using discretion, diplomacy, and professional judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information.
Collaborating with internal departments, external agencies, and law enforcement in investigative or compliance matters.
Apply investigative techniques to detect, document, and resolve allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption.
Interpret and apply laws, policies, and ethical standards to complex situations.
Exercise impartiality, sound judgment, and critical thinking under pressure.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with officials, staff, and the public.
Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all aspects of investigative work.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, misconduct, and violations of the City’s Code of Ethics.
Receive, evaluate, and prioritize complaints from employees, officials, vendors, and the public.
Plan and execute investigative strategies, including evidence collection, interviews, audits, and surveillance when necessary.
Review and analyze financial records, contracts, emails, electronic data, and other relevant documentation.
Prepare detailed, factual, and legally defensible investigative reports, including findings and recommendations for corrective or disciplinary action.
Support the Public Integrity Officer in enforcement proceedings, including administrative hearings, subpoenas, or legal actions.
Collaborate with internal departments, legal counsel, auditors, and external law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, chain-of-custody procedures, and record retention policies.
Provide guidance to staff and leadership on fraud prevention, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, investigative techniques, and ethics standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned.