Director, Candidate Investigation

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.
The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) Human Resources is responsible for hiring all Correction Officers for the Department. To ensure suitability for service, each candidate undergoes a medical, psychological, and physical fitness assessment, along with a comprehensive background investigation. The Human Resources processes thousands of candidates annually.
The DOC seeks an experienced professional to serve as the Director of Candidate Investigation within Human Resources. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, the selected candidate will exercise independent judgment and initiative while overseeing investigative operations to ensure compliance with policy, efficiency, and thorough vetting of candidates.
Investigations & Background Review

• Oversee thorough background investigations of candidates to determine suitability for employment.
• Supervise and direct a team of investigators conducting social media and telephone monitoring to detect potential concerns, such as undisclosed affiliations or other disqualifying factors.
• Ensure that field investigations and probationary follow-up investigations are conducted promptly and effectively.
• Coordinate with internal and external law enforcement agencies to verify candidate backgrounds and review any derogatory findings.
• Develop and implement new investigative techniques and technologies to enhance the candidate screening process.
• Oversee the character disqualification process for candidates including the Civil Service Commission appeal process.

Supervision & Operational Oversight

• Direct, coordinate, and monitor the activities of professional staff, including supervisors and investigators, in the execution of highly confidential and complex investigations.
• Establish and enforce accountability metrics to monitor staff performance and ensure high standards in investigations and reporting.
• Oversee the Digital Investigation Team to ensure timely and accurate social media and telephone monitoring of candidates.
• Ensure investigative reports are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental policies.
• Direct and lead probationary follow-up investigations, ensuring close monitoring of newly hired candidates.

Administrative & Strategic Leadership

• Ensure that the quality of investigations, timeliness of reports, and overall operational efficiency meet the standards set by policy and civil service law.
• Prepare, review, evaluate, and act on all reports, studies, and recommendations submitted for administrative action.
• Make recommendations and decisions regarding investigative findings and disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Develop and maintain relationships with city agencies and local, state, and national law enforcement organizations.
• Research and implement new investigative techniques and technologies, ensuring staff receive proper training and guidance.
• Coach, mentor, and train assigned staff to uphold investigative best practices and professional development.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Assistant Commissioner.