What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prison Internal Investigator position at Chester County of Pennsylvania?
Summary
The Internal Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of corruption, misconduct, unethical conduct and other illegal or prohibited activities of employees, officials, inmates and their associations, who encounter the Chester County Prison. The Internal Investigator performs a full range of investigative assignments, including difficult, complex, multifaceted, sensitive and confidential investigations. This position is expected to ensure adherence tor prison policies and procedures while
Balancing and prioritizing cases as assigned by the Warden.
Essential Duties
- Conducting thorough criminal investigations including homicide, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, robbery, drugs, contraband, thefts, harassment, and threats
- Conducting thorough non-criminal investigations, such as overdoses, suspicious and natural deaths, PREA and other institutional violations
- Request aid and necessary technical assistance as required to conduct investigations.
- Ensure appropriate documentation of all investigations
- Conducting interviews with witnesses, contacts, suspects and victims.
- Examine incoming and outgoing mail and adhere to policies and procedures concerning Chester County Prison correspondence.
- Collect and evaluate evidence to establish the nature and extent of alleged improprieties.
- Conducting surveillance of individuals or locations.
- Work with law enforcement personnel as needed.
- Evaluating information to determine the credibility and reliability of inmates, employees, and individuals transacting business with the facility.
- Conducting reviews of administrative records and reports
- Collecting, evaluating and preparing evidence for presentation to prosecuting and agency officials and for introduction at administrative proceedings.
- Preparing detailed final reports of investigations setting forth allegations, findings, evidence, and recommendations.
- Recommending changes to agency administrative operations to prevent future violations and increase program efficiency.
- Appearing in court and at administrative proceedings as a government witness to present testimony and evidence.
- Conduct visual inspection of facility and report any points of concern to the Warden
- Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.
Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Associates degree from an accredited college or university, four years of combined experience in corrections, security, military, or law enforcement, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to complete and pass correctional training courses as assigned by the Warden.
- Ability to pass PA State police PATCH, PA Department of Welfare Child Abuse Clearance, FBI fingerprint check, and qualify as a JNET Criminal Justice User.
- Ensure the Prison is closely aligned with the Criminal Justice System in meeting the objectives of the Court related agencies.
- Ensure the inmate population is housed and supervised as directed and governed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as per Title 37 in addition to all other applicable Federal (e.g., ACA), State and Local mandates.
- Working knowledge of the American Correctional Association’s Standards for Adult Correctional Facilities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication.
- Basic understanding of Pennsylvania crimes code and vehicle law.
- Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and an ability to make firm unbiased decisions.
- Ability to treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
- Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
- Able to use common sense judgement to carry out written or verbal instructions.
- Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
- Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
- Five or more years of job-related experience, strongest preference for corrections or law enforcement roles.
- Certified in Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Basic Training, Supervisor Training, and other advanced certifications, corrections, law enforcement, military, corporate security, etc.
- Experience with K-9 operations.
Additional Information
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
- Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
- Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally, employee will be required to stand, walk, reach above shoulders, climb stairs, and drive a vehicle to and from different locations. On rare occasions, the employee is required to stoop, kneel or crouch; and lift or carry items
The specific vision requirements for this position are:
- Close/distance vision
- Color vision
- Peripheral vision
- Depth perception
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
- This is a high stress job, primarily due to working with a high-risk population (e.g., infectious, violent, and mentally disturbed inmates).
- Possible exposure to unknown contagious diseases.
- Hazardous conditions include noise and confinement.
- A valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle may be required.
