What are the responsibilities and job description for the Detective Investigator Trainee position at New York State Office of the Attorney General?
Investigations Division
Office of Special Investigation (OSI) – Buffalo
Detective Investigator Trainee
Reference No. INV_TRN_OSI_BUFF_06513_051725
Application Deadline is May 17, 2025
Office of Special Investigations’ (OSI) Buffalo location. Candidates should be hard working, motivated, and
committed to public service on behalf of the people of the State of New York.
In June 2020, the New York State Legislature passed legislation codifying and expanding the Governor’s previous
Executive Order granting the OAG the jurisdiction to investigate and potentially prosecute incidents when a police
officer or peace officer causes the death of a person.
OSI Detectives participate in investigations of the circumstances, facts, and conditions connected with incidents
covered by the OSI’s legislative mandate, using the highest level of independent judgment and discretion to ensure
the integrity, thoroughness, and fairness of the investigations.
OSI is a special and unique office, which requires OSI detectives to have special and unique abilities, particularly
with mindset. Too often, those who have had a long career in the field of law enforcement develop a bias where they
view actions of police through the lens of being right or justified. This is sometimes referred as “Blue bias.”
Candidates who apply for an OSI Detective position must be free of this kind of bias, or at least have the ability to
recognize it so as to eliminate it from any and all OSI investigations.
Detective Investigators work collaboratively in case specific investigative teams with Assistant Attorneys General,
analysts, and crime scene technicians while demonstrating the highest level of professionalism.
Duties performed by Detective Investigators may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Investigate instances that fall within the jurisdictional purview of OSI.
- Assist in the development of investigative plans with the interdisciplinary team, develop leads and informants,
conduct physical and technical surveillance, execute search warrants, effect arrests, serve subpoenas and
review relevant reports.
- Conduct witness interviews and prepare comprehensive written reports.
- Work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Performance of duties will require unscheduled work on evenings and weekends. Selected candidates may be
temporarily reassigned to other areas within the State based on the needs of the Office of the Attorney General.
Scheduled “on call” tours (including weekends) will be mandatory.
Minimum Qualifications:
- The ability to recognize the need for a unique and special mindset to be a part of OSI, which includes the ability
to be independent, objective, and free from outside influences, where specific outcomes may be sought for any
given OSI case(s).
- Cultural competence to understand and effectively respond to cultural differences that may impact an
- The ability to successfully complete all requirements to obtain NYS basic police academy certification or have
candidates will need to pass a physical fitness exam based on the Cooper Standard.
- Must possess a valid NYS Driver’s License with ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- The NYS Public Officer’s Law requires that all police officers be citizens of the United States of America and
- Must possess strong writing, analytical and organizational skills.
- Willingness to participate in complex criminal investigations by combining traditional investigative skills with
- Proficiency with computers, common word processing applications, use of search engines, investigative
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in any of the following areas:
- conducting internal affairs investigations
- conducting complex, long-term investigations.
- conducting surveillance operations including the use of surveillance technologies.
- obtaining and executing arrest and search warrants.
- testifying in grand jury and court proceedings.
- effectively conducting and managing multiple investigations.
- The ability to read, write, speak and understand a second language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish,
Additional Training:
Detective Investigators in OSI will be required to successfully complete the following courses, as well as any other
courses not listed, but deemed necessary. Course participation will be coordinated and paid for by the Office of the
NYS Attorney General:
- NYPD Homicide Course
- NYPD Critical Incident Training
- NYPD Internal Affairs Course
- New York State Interview and Interrogation Course
- Course on Ethics from an accredited institution.
- Communications course from an accredited institution
- Criminal Forensics Course
- Course on death investigations within correctional facilities
- New York State Police Colonel Henry Williams Annual Homicide Seminar
The annual salary for this position is $63,435 (before police academy graduation) and $75,348 (after graduation). This position
is overtime eligible. Performance of the duties may require frequent, unscheduled work on evenings and
weekends and requires 24/7 availability. This position is in the exempt class, and incumbents serve at the
pleasure of the Attorney General.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on May 17, 2025.
- Cover Letter - Include the Reference number: INV_TRN_OSI_BUFF_06513_051725
- Resume
- List of three (3) references - Only submit professional references, supervisory references are preferred.
If you have questions regarding a Detective Investigator position with the OAG, the application process, or need assistance with submitting your
application, please email Investigator.Jobs@ag.ny.gov or call 518-776-2500.
Salary : $63,435 - $75,348
