​Special Agent, Department of Justice Series

California State Personnel Board Specification​

SALARY INFORMATION​

Description of Series​

This series specification describes five Special Agent classes used by the Department of Justice. Incumbents in these classes conduct, supervise, or manage complex and sensitive civil and criminal investigations and enforcement activities. Special Agents, Department of Justice, may be assigned to provide technical assistance and training to other law enforcement officers and may serve in special assignments for the Department. Special Agents of the Department of Justice perform the full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in accomplishing their assignments.

Special Agents, Department of Justice, conduct complex investigations involving organized criminal activity including, but not limited to, human traffickers and sexual predators, violent criminal gang offenders, white collar crimes, officer involved shootings, terrorists, bookmakers, and users/manufacturers of illegal weapons; plan, coordinate, and participate in enforcement actions involving multiple felony suspects; work undercover as well as participate in covert stationary, mobile, and aerial surveillances; conduct complex investigations of antitrust violations, Medi-Cal (Medicaid) and Federal health care program provider fraud, money laundering, asset forfeiture, physical and financial abuse, neglect, and sexual assault of elders, dependent adults, and patients, and consumer and investment frauds; conduct complex investigations related to the violations of statutes related to the Gambling Control Act; enforcement of all firearms and ammunition violations for the state; assist other law enforcement agencies to conduct complex investigations; plan, direct, and coordinate enforcement activities with other law enforcement agencies; interrogate and interview suspects and witnesses; make arrests; confer with and/or assist prosecutors in preparing cases for court; serve search warrants to seize evidence of criminal activity; investigate conspiracies in restraint of trade, monopolistic, and unfair trade practices by business organizations; investigate the diversion by doctors, pharmacists, nurses, or other medical practitioners or medical providers of controlled substances to illicit use of legally manufactured controlled substances that relates to a MediCal/Medicaid provider; appear as witnesses; make arrests of law violators; gather intelligence data; investigate allegations of illegal activity or irregularities by State or local officials; provide training and technical assistance in the latest techniques of enforcement and investigation to State and local law enforcement agencies; serve in special assignments including, but not limited to, aircraft pilot, Foreign Prosecution, Criminal Investigative Profiler, task force supervisor, or legislative advocate for the Department; conduct inspections of Department regional office operations and internal affairs investigations and recommend any necessary actions; make public presentations; and provide protective services to public officials.

Special Age​​nt Trainee, Department of Justice​

This class is used for the recruitment and development of individuals with a four-year college degree who do not possess patrol or investigative law enforcement experience. Incumbents will receive comprehensive, on-the-job training in the application of the principles and techniques of conducting civil or criminal investigations and enforcement activities for the Department of Justice.

Special Agent Trainees, Department of Justice, are required to meet the provisions of California Penal Code Section 832 et. Seq., and complete the training courses as prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. All incumbents must successfully complete all academy courses, including academic classes, physical training, physical methods of arrest, vehicle operation, and use of weapons in order to be eligible to qualify to move to the class of Special Agent, Department of Justice. Failure in the Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, class to qualify for movement to the class of Special Agent, Department of Justice, within the prescribed training period will be cause for termination.

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Special Agent, Department of Justice​​

​Incumbents in this class conduct civil or criminal investigation and enforcement activities for the Department of Justice. Incumbents are assigned to a team and may work independently or as a leadperson coordinating the work of other law enforcement personnel. Incumbents may be assigned to provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement personnel.

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Special Age​nt Supervisor, Department of Justice

​Incumbents in this class function (1) as a working supervisor directing a team of three or more agents or other law enforcement personnel; or (2) as the highest journey level agent assigned the most difficult and complex cases with broad discretion and independence of action; or (3) in a staff assignment, to coordinate the efforts of individuals assigned to a specialized statewide law enforcement program outside normal investigation operations. Incumbents can work closely with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate respective investigative efforts. Incumbents may provide high-level technical assistance and training in investigation and enforcement activities.

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Special Age​nt-In-Charge, Department of Justice

​Incumbents in this class function as either (1) the manager responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the law enforcement programs in a designated geographical area of the State or a statewide enforcement program; or (2) the manager of specialized, investigative, enforcement, or training programs or projects in the Department of Justice.

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Senior ​Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Justice

​This is the full managerial level responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and leading one of the most complex investigation programs in an assigned area of the State. The area of responsibility is complex and should require subordinate managers. These positions may conduct executive-level outreach to local, state, and federal partners: cross-discipline liaison with local, state, and federal partners, in addition to advocacy groups; and may oversee operational complexities inherent with 21^st century policing practices and State policing guidelines. These positions will be distinguished from Special Agents-in-Charge, Department of Justice, based upon span of control, the visibility, complexity, and sensitive-nature of the program, level and classification of subordinates, and responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

​All ​​Levels

Applicants may be admitted into the examination without meeting the requirements within the “All Levels" section, but the applicant must meet those requirements prior to appointment.

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment; and

Must meet the peace officer selection standards developed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training​ per Penal Code section 13510(a) and in accordance with existing law; and

Drug Testing Requirement:  Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement; and

Firearm Conviction Disqualification:  Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under their control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in these classifications; and

Special Agent Trainee, Department of J​​ustice

​Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Registration as a senior student in a recognized institution will allow for admittance into the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion before they may be considered eligible for appointment. Military experience from any of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Special Agent, Department of Justice

​Either ​​I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice. Applicants who have completed six months performing the duties of a Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of experience in the class of Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, before they will be considered eligible for appointment; and

Possession of a POST Basic Certificate: or

II​​​

Experience: One year of experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of-State law enforcement) in an investigative or patrol assignment performing civil or criminal law enforcement work and

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

Special A​gent Supervisor, Department of Justice

​Eithe​​​​r I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Special Agent, Department of Justice, Range B. Applicants who are within six months of meeting the minimum qualifications may compete in the examination but may not be appointed until they meet the minimum qualifications; and

Possession of a POST Basic Certificate; or

II​​

Experience: Five years of experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of-State law enforcement) in an investigative or patrol assignment performing civil or criminal law enforcement work, including one year of supervisory or lead experience; and

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

Special A​gent-In-Charge, Department of Justice

​Either I​​​

One year of experience in the California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Special Agent Supervisor, Department of Justice. Applicants who are within six months of meeting the minimum qualifications may compete in the examination but may not be appointed until they meet the minimum qualifications; and

Possession of a POST Basic Certification; or

II​​​

Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of- State law enforcement) in an investigative or patrol assignment performing civil or criminal law enforcement work, at least two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; and

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

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Senior​​ Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Justice

​Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Justice. Applicants who are within six months of meeting the minimum qualifications may compete in the examination but may not be appointed until they meet the minimum qualifications; and

Possession of a POST Basic Certificate; or

II​

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of- State law enforcement) in an investigative or patrol assignment performing civil or criminal law enforcement work, at least two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; and

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge and Abilities

​Special ​Agent Trainee, Department of Justice

Knowledge of: Civil and criminal investigation techniques; provisions of the California Penal Code, the Evidence Code, the Code of Civil Procedures, the State Controlled Substances Act, the Welfare and Institutions Code, Business and Professions Code, Health and Safety Code, Title XXII of the California Code of Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Social Security Act, and other State and Federal laws relating to controlled substances and relating to crimes committed against the Medi-Cal Program and aged, disabled, and dependent adults; individual's constitutional rights including those relating to laws of arrest, search and seizure, and the service of legal process; communication and active listening skills; behaviors indicative of potential hostility; techniques for effective interaction with diverse communities; how to approach problems with cultural awareness and sensitivity; cultural difference and similarities; implicit and explicit biases; community engagement and strategies and the benefits of effective community engagement; reporting obligations when biased behavior or misconduct is observed; and characteristics protected under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act.

Ability to: Develop techniques, methods, and skills and apply applicable laws required to conduct civil and criminal investigations; operate a vehicle safely and effectively; use, maintain, and qualify with approved firearms; communicate effectively; prepare and present well organized, accurate, and timely written reports; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; gain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification; be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn and understand other cultures; seek clarifying questions to get a better understanding of the issue(s); maintain neutrality; identify effective ways to communicate and/or provide support; work cooperatively with various cultural backgrounds and others in the community; defuse, negotiate, and resolve conflicts; recognize and respect diversity through words and actions; effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy; treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner; and have social and cultural perceptiveness.

Special Ag​​ent, Department of Justice

Knowledge of: All of the above, and major investigative operational plans; interview, interrogation, information, and intelligence gathering processes and procedures; proper tactics and use of force in affecting arrests of suspects, felony car stops, and entry in fortified buildings; proper techniques to plan and coordinate multisuspect/multidwelling enforcement actions; sophisticated investigative techniques including use of wiretaps, pin registers, traps, tracking devices, subpoenas, and complex search warrants; peace officer training techniques and methods; applicable Department policies and procedures; the interrelationship of other law enforcement agencies with the Department of Justice; techniques for securing, preserving, and handling evidence; techniques used to prevent diversion of licit drugs to illicit channels; undercover operations using paid and unpaid operators; use of relational database software to analyze and evaluate fiscal data from various sources and to analyze seized computerized data; the role and availability of forensic support services in the investigative process; contemporary computer technology and communications systems used in the investigative process; use of computers to prepare search warrants, affidavits, and reports in field locations; use of computers to maintain administrative time reports, reports of investigation, and case and file management systems.

Ability to: All of the above, and identify controlled substances; gather, analyze, and present facts and evidence; utilize various software programs to analyze computerized data from various State and Federal fiscal intermediaries and identify patterns of fraud; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; work undercover; participate actively in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances, investigations, and interviews; file complaints and serve legal documents; conduct and coordinate multiagency and/or complex investigations as a lead agent; plan and coordinate raid and operational actions as a case agent; coordinate with prosecutorial agencies and the court in the prosecution of suspects as the trial agent; photograph crime scenes; use and maintain communications and investigative equipment; appear as an expert witness; prepare and present well-organized, accurate court testimony; use proper techniques during tactical operations; provide technical assistance to and conduct training for other allied and public agencies and law enforcement personnel; develop and maintain sources of information.

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Special Age​​​nt Supervisor, Department of Justice

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles and techniques of supervision; advanced peace officer training techniques and methods; applicable collective bargaining memorandum of understanding and related issues; State, Department, Division and Bureau policies and procedures; disciplinary guidelines and human resources rules; a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, direct, and conduct the most difficult and complex civil and criminal investigations; plan for and allocate resources to achieve program goals and objectives; effectively supervise the work of a group of Special Agents, Department of Justice, other law enforcement personnel, investigative auditor, and support staff; review and monitor cases for efficient and effective progress; effectively coordinate the preparation and presentation of the prosecution of fraud and patient abuse cases with the assigned Deputy Attorney General; initiate and review personnel matters; effectively promote equal opportunity employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; recruit qualified individuals who understand and demonstrate respect for the diverse communities.

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Special Agent-In-Charge, Departmen​​​t of Justice

Knowledge of: All of the above, and techniques and methods for managing specialized investigative and enforcement programs and implementing intelligence exchange with multijurisdictional agencies; training programs for other law enforcement agencies; organization and functions of the Department of Justice; goals and objectives of the Department and the Bureau; roles, relationships, and responsibilities of other law enforcement and governmental agencies.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize, and direct the investigation and enforcement programs in designated geographical areas of the State; develop and maintain administrative and operational quality control measures; manage nonsworn personnel in carrying out the functions of the program; implement, develop, and evaluate training programs; manage specialized investigative and enforcement programs or projects.

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Senior​​​ Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Justice

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize, and direct a complex investigative program and personnel in an assigned area of the State; effectively direct and supervise the activities of managerial staff.

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Special Personal Characteristics

​All Leve​​ls:

No illegal involvement in controlled substances as an adult; willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours; ability to work under stress and adverse conditions; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminally inclined persons and environments in performance of duties; willingness to work undercover and participate in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances; willingness to utilize a variety of weaponry, including shotguns, machine guns, tear gas, and distraction devices; willingness to pursue violent repeat offenders and effect their arrest; willingness to operate a police vehicle under emergency circumstances; willingness to deal with toxic materials and chemicals; willingness to handle gruesome crime scenes involving persons of all ages; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; maintain good credit; possession of a valid driver license; willingness to use all appropriate means, including deadly force, to carry out peace officer duties; exercise good judgment; and demonstrate good work habits.

Special Physical Characteristics

​All L​evels:

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision, and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Desirable Characteristics

​All Lev​els:

In addition to the above knowledge and abilities, possession of the appropriate certificates as evidence of increased competency at each level is desirable. Also desirable is evidence of completed course work in the following subject areas: introduction to criminal justice, introduction to criminal law, basic investigation, evidence, criminal procedure, and philosophy of law.

Some positions in these classifications may be eligible for safety retirement in accordance with Government code section 19816.20​.

All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.​

Class History​