LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL AGENT (ODAFF)


BASIC PURPOSE:
Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving criminal investigations related to violations or alleged violations of state laws under the provisions of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code involving cases of livestock theft, animal health and importation, theft of farming equipment and farm implements, wildland arson, timber theft or other criminal activities.  Responsibilities will also include coordinating and conducting education and training programs in law enforcement, safety, agricultural and timber theft, animal health and importation or fire prevention.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
The functions within this job family will vary by level and unit assignment but may include the following:
•    Investigates violations of state laws concerning theft of timber, livestock and farming equipment and farm implements; animal health; wildland arson; and other provisions of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code.
•    Gathers and analyzes information and evidence related to investigations; prepares investigation documentation; interviews witnesses; interrogates suspects; obtains signed statements and affidavits; obtains and uses search warrants as needed; makes arrests; testifies in court; presents prosecution reports to appropriate local, state, and federal authorities; advises and assists prosecutors in filing charges.
•    Plans and directs concerted efforts by individuals and organizations to apprehend violators of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code and (penal violations referenced in 2  O.S.§ 6-310;) maintains contact with, coordinates, directs and assists other local, state, and federal agencies in the enforcement of appropriate laws and in providing for public safety.
•    Coordinates, directs, and conducts educational training in law enforcement, safety, agricultural and timber theft, animal health and importation, or fire prevention.  
•    Patrols private, local, state, and federal roads to enforce state animal health and importation laws, forest protection laws and, upon request, assist other law enforcement agencies.
•    Participates in in-service training; attends conferences and seminars; studies professional materials and other information related to new investigative techniques and procedures; studies legal materials related to court rulings and state and federal laws.
•    Reviews and analyzes reports and other information concerning operations; evaluates enforcement personnel; provides assistance on special problems; provides input concerning changes in policies and procedures; issues periodic directives and memoranda to field units and others as needed.
•    Conduct internal vehicle accident investigations.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:
This job family consists of four levels which are distinguished by the complexity of assigned work, the level of expertise required to complete assigned tasks, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.

Level I:                Code:    L25A            Salary Band:    J

This is the basic level where employees are assigned responsibilities involving beginning level law enforcement work in a training status to build their skills in conducting investigations or other activities related to enforcement, safety, and fire prevention programs and operations within assigned areas.  By statute, employees in this job family assigned to the investigative services unit will be peace officers commissioned by the Commissioner of the State Board of Agriculture.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the Oklahoma Agriculture Code, livestock theft, theft of farming equipment and farm implements, animal health and importation, forest fire protection and timber theft; of principles and techniques of conducting investigations related to agricultural theft, animal health, forest protection, and any other violations of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code; of laws and rules pertaining to search and seizure, arrests, and rules of evidence; of the methods, tools, techniques and equipment used for preventing and suppressing forest fires; of the methods used for preventing theft of livestock, farming equipment and implements, and timber ;  of the methods used for tracing and tracking of the source and scope of animal health issues;  and of the principles of fire behavior and arson detection and investigation.  Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to speak in public; to collect information through observation and interviews of witnesses and suspects; to analyze, interpret, and evaluate evidence; to write reports; and to handle confidential work with tact and discretion.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science or behavioral science and one year of experience in law enforcement or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
Level II:                Code:    L25B            Salary Band:    K

This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level for conducting a full range of investigations and other related activities.  This will include independent responsibility for conducting investigations of violations of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code and performing other tasks to ensure public safety.  Some responsibility may also be assigned for providing guidance and training to beginning level special investigators.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus knowledge of training principles and practices; and of the use of deadly force and firearms safety.  Ability is also required to organize and conduct several investigations simultaneously, to tactfully secure compliance with applicable state laws; and to prepare comprehensive written reports of investigations appropriate for admission in a court of law.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one additional year of law enforcement experience. 
 
Level III:            Code:    L25C            Salary Band:    L
This is the specialist level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities involving advanced level work in assisting in the planning, directing, and coordination of investigations related to violations of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code and applicable state law   as well as   other related functions within an assigned area.  Some supervision and training may be provided to other investigators in the completion of assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus ability to direct and coordinate complex investigations.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigation.

Level IV:            Code:    L25D            Salary Band:    M
This is the leadership level of this job family where employees are assigned overall responsibility for administering, directing, and supervising the work activities of special investigators engaged in enforcing state agriculture   laws and developing prevention programs.  This includes responsibility for planning, organizing, reviewing and evaluating the work of assigned employees as well as performing related administrative functions, establishing and maintaining close working relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, and coordinating with county sheriffs, police and fire departments, district attorneys, and other officials as needed.  The work is generally performed with a high degree of technical and administrative freedom to plan, organize, and conduct all phases of operations as necessary within program guidelines.  Employees may regularly attend law enforcement association meetings and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of state personnel and budget policies and procedures; of the legislative process; and of management and supervisory principles and practices.  Ability is required to develop, implement, and evaluate agency programs; to analyze, interpret, and resolve personnel and management problems; and to assist in planning and budgeting activities related to law enforcement efforts.        

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus two additional years of experience in performing law enforcement and criminal investigation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with the position.
Applicants may be required to reside and accept work assignments designated anywhere in the state.
Some positions at Level I may require applicants to pass an agency pre-hire physical examination.
Some positions at Level I may require completion of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certification or comparable peace officer certification recognized by CLEET prior to appointment, otherwise employees will be required to complete the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) training course and qualify for peace officer status within one year of appointment.  At Levels II, III, and IV, applicants must possess CLEET certification at the time of appointment.
Employees must be able to work unusual hours, including overnight observation in areas where criminal activity is suspected.
Employees are subject to the risks inherent with criminal investigations and law enforcement and are authorized to carry a weapon under conditions outlined in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry’s policies and procedures.
This position may be subject to random drug testing.